Pacifier use is something that many parents wonder and worry about. Some babies never take to them, and some kids don't want to give them up!
The orthodontic effects of pacifier use are mostly reversible without intervention when the habit is stopped by 18 months. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends weaning by three years of age.
Below, Dr. Nickel, DDS of Nickel Pediatric Dentistry gives his best tips on pacifier usage and weaning!
1. Choose your pacifier carefully.
Orthodontic pacifiers with flat heads are recommended. Pacifiers with stuffed animals attached, while cute, can create unfavorable forces on jaw development.
2. Transition to teethers.
Try to transition from pacifiers to stick-shaped teethers around six months of age (around the time of their first tooth). Teethers not only soothe gums but can also help teach your baby to chew. You can try out the teethers during the day and continue to use the pacifier at night. Don't worry if this doesn't work for your child right away!
3. Get rid of the paci in a fun way.
Parents can get creative with helping their kids transition from a pacifier! One popular idea is to have the Paci Fairy come to swap their pacifiers for a gift or party. Sometimes having your child give their pacifier to a younger sibling or family member is effective. Another fun idea is to have a ceremony to let go of the pacifier, such as burying it in the backyard and growing flowers there or putting it inside a Build-a-Bear.
4. Make sure your child is having regular dental checkups.
Regular dental checkups are essential to the health of your child's teeth. We recommend that you start bringing your child in for dental visits at their first tooth or first birthday. Dental visits monitor the growth and development of your child's teeth and jaw and can help ensure the pacifier is not causing damage.
We would love to care for your child's teeth and begin building a lifetime of healthy oral habits! Call our office, Nickel Pediatric Dentistry, today at (772) 494-6010 to schedule an appointment for your child.
Thank you to our valued sponsor, Nickel Pediatric Dentistry, for these helpful tips! Nickel Pediatric Dentistry is at 2145 Indian River Blvd, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Learn more about their practice by clicking below.
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