It’s quite difficult to find a child who doesn’t use a pacifier (or soother, as it’s called in some places). Parents see this object as a way to soothe and comfort the child, who sometimes needs this stimulus for various reasons: as a comfort object, during a phase when they want to bite everything, etc.

But then, questions begin about whether this accessory is actually good for the child, and if it will have any impact on their teeth. In fact, this is a very common habit. The sucking habit is a need for many children, which is why it’s so common to see children using pacifiers or sucking their thumb.

Dentists warn that up to age 3, this habit won’t cause many consequences. But after this age, and if the habit continues for a long time, oral consequences become more apparent.

bebê usando chupeta

How can I help my child stop using a pacifier?

Using pacifiers is not all bad. This habit even reduces the chances of sudden infant death syndrome. In fact, many specialists point out that using a pacifier is less harmful than thumb sucking, because thumb sucking is an even harder habit to break and causes more harm to mouth development. However, we know the time comes to take away the pacifier, and many parents worry when that time arrives.

There are several ways to think about how to wean a child off the pacifier. You can have a gradual transition, allowing its use only at bedtime or when the child is sick, for example, and also explain to your child that it’s time to stop because they’re already getting bigger. There are many ways to help your child give up the pacifier in a healthy and peaceful way. If your child is a bit older, you can use your creativity or seize unique moments to help with this transition.

What are the consequences for teeth?

Long-term pacifier use will affect the shape of the mouth, because the teeth are still developing and the jaws will grow around what is being constantly held inside the mouth.

Among the consequences we can mention:

  • Teeth tilting forward.
  • Crooked teeth.
  • Improper bite or chewing only on one side.
  • Changes in tooth position.
  • Changes to the palate.
  • Speech inhibition.
  • Change in breathing pattern (the child starts to breathe through the mouth).
  • Change in swallowing pattern.
  • Narrowing of the dental arch.
  • Deviation of the nasal bones (deviated septum).

In many cases, to reverse the problems caused by pacifier use, the child will need to use a orthodontic appliance for correction. You should also watch for some signs, such as early loss of baby teeth due to cavities, a very prominent chin, if your child breathes more through the mouth than the nose, or sleeps with their mouth open.

If you have questions or need more information, it’s essential to seek help from a dentist to monitor your child’s oral health.