We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. This website is currently being updated to enhance the usability and experience for persons with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call 6179271111 and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

Blog

Pacifier Use & Your Child’s Teeth

May 9, 2017 | Dentistry, Lifestyle |

Child Pacifier Use Blog Header Image David Fiorillo

While there are a quite few documented benefits to giving babies pacifiers, there are downsides to prolonged pacifier use.

Research shows that pacifiers can actually help reduce the incidences of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Babies who suck on pacifiers while they sleep don’t fall asleep as deeply as those who don’t suck on pacifiers. This means that if the baby stops breathing while sleeping they can more easily wake themselves up and start breathing again. In addition to reducing the chance of SIDS, pacifiers also help provide comfort reducing a baby’s anxiety and stress levels.

So What’s the Problem?

Despite all these benefits, however, there are dental implications of using a pacifier. Continued sucking on a thumb or pacifier can negatively impact the alignment of the teeth. Experts recommend the latest a pacifier should be in use is by the child’s second birthday. Beyond age two, pacifier use can cause serious damage to your child’s dentition and tooth alignment.

In addition to the impact on alignment, you also have to take into consideration that continued use of a pacifier could increase the incidences of inner ear infections. The action of sucking on a pacifier opens the auditory tubes in the ear canal. Prolonged sucking causes the auditory tubes to remain open for a long time, allowing bacteria to infect the inner ear.

Should you have questions around infant pacifier use, consult your local Boston area dentistry professionals at Fiorillo Dental today!

Source.

Boston

437 Boylston Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116

Call Us
Get Directions

Winchester

955 Main Street, Suite 205
Winchester, MA 01890

Call Us
Get Directions
Request an Appointment
To book an appointment please feel free to call us
or complete the form below.

Terms and Conditions

Here at Fiorillo Dental, we work diligently to protect our patient's rights and privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what HIPAA has identified as electronically protected information (ePHI). Unfortunately, despite the best efforts we make or take, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the box, and electronically making an appointment, you understand that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Welcome Smiles will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may not illegally intercept this communication. As a result of continuing, you are sending this transmission and accepting the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. As an alternative, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.