Pacifiers are one of the objects most often used by babies over the years to help with the process of drinking milk or other drinks. Giving milk using a pacifier before bed is something parents usually do. Even though it is quite helpful in making babies calm and fussy, using a pacifier for a long time can have a bad impact, one of which is on the child's dental health. In this case, the use of pacifiers is still controversial, especially in babies who are still exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months of life because it can cause a condition commonly called nipple confusion. The following are some of the impacts of using a pacifier on children's dental health, including:
1. Misaligned tooth growth
In medical terms, the condition of misalignment of the jaw bones and teeth is called malocclusion. Children who suck pacifiers or thumbs after the age of five have a greater potential for misaligned teeth. This is because the habit of sucking on a pacifier forces the teeth to move and changes the shape of the roof of the mouth to accommodate the presence of a pacifier for a long period of time.
2. Teeth grinding occurs
Biting teeth is generally characterized by the child's teeth appearing black. This usually happens because of the habit of breastfeeding before bed. This condition, known as bottle caries, is caused by milk or drinks containing sugar remaining in the oral cavity for a long time. Cavities, especially poor dental care, can often cause children's teeth to turn black or even rot.
3. Gingival recession
Receding gums or what is usually called gingival recession is characterized by the gradual loss of gum tissue. This condition will expose the roots of the teeth and make them appear longer than normal. This condition often occurs without showing symptoms in the early stages. To avoid bad effects on children's teeth, parents should take precautions from an early age by limiting the use of pacifiers.
How to prevent the bad effects of using pacifiers on children:
Select the appropriate dot size
Pacifiers are available in various sizes according to the baby's development. To avoid damage to your child's teeth, you should choose a pacifier that is appropriate for their age.
Avoid sharing pacifiers
It is not recommended to use the same pacifier for several children. This habit can expose children to bacteria that are transmitted through saliva. Transmission of this bacteria can cause various health problems in children.
Limit pacifier use
The bad effects of pacifiers can be minimized if pacifier use is stopped before the child reaches the age of 3 or 4 years. Prioritize direct breastfeeding unless there are conditions that do not allow direct breastfeeding and require the assistance of a pacifier
Parents should be aware of the influence of pacifiers on children's dental health. Using a pacifier for a long period of time can cause various problems in terms of children's dental development and health. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the use of pacifiers in children. Routinely consult and check the health condition of your child's teeth with a pediatric dentist to monitor the growth and development of your child's teeth. Healthy greetings
Reference :
CNN Indonesia. Accessed in 2022. Expert Says About Using Pacifiers to Improve Children's Teeth.
WebMD. Accessed 2022. Pacifiers: In or Out?
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