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Pacifiers are good and bad for kids

Pacifiers are good and bad for kids

Weaning your child off his or her pacifier is tough; however, there are some pros and cons when it comes to pacifiers.

Although most believe that sucking on a pacifier is a no no, some researchers believe that a pacifier helps reduce the risk of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Babies who use a pacifier don’t sleep as deep as those who nap or sleep without one. When a baby has a pacifier, he or she will not go into a deep sleep. A pacifier enables an infant to wake up instead of going into a deep sleep that could stop breathing. A pacifier will also increase satisfaction giving babies comfort.

With that being said, some problems could result from pacifier sucking. Your dentist recommends that you stop pacifiers by the age of two. Up until that age, any alignment issue is corrected within six months after pacifier use has stopped. Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use can cause issues with mouth growth and tooth alignment, and can change the roof of the mouth. Middle ear infections are also common in kids who use pacifiers.

Breaking the habit is difficult, however there are some things you can do to stop pacifier use. Below are some tips that may help your child break the pacifier habit.

Dip the pacifier in white vinegar, which will make it distasteful

Pierce the nipple or cut it to reduce satisfaction

Leave it behind when traveling

Restrict use

Look for a pacifier that has ventilation holes

Cold turkey

Limit use during feedings or as an attention substitute

If you are having a tough time weaning your baby off the pacifier, call or click and talk to your dentist who may be able to help, you and your infant break the pacifier habit once and for all. Call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.