For babies
to suck is very natural. It is how they nourish and soothe themselves. When
a baby is not eating, the pacifier is better to use for soothing than a
finger/thumb or a toy.
Pacifiers are less
likely to cause a malocclusion and are usually discontinued at an earlier
age than is thumbsucking. It is easier to take away a pacifier then a finger
or thumb. Thumbsuckers typically continue the habit until 3-5
years.
Thoughts on
Pacifiers
- if you notice
your child beginning to suck their fingers or thumbs, during the first 3
months of life, you can introduce your child to a
pacifier
- to avoid any
trauma to the gums, it's important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of
rubber
- do not use the
soother around the clock, only when necessary
- in rare
instances, pacifiers may cause complications, like abnormal swallowing
patterns
- check the
pacifier daily for breakage. They do not last forever. The child could
suck a "ripped" pacifier and choke on it
- do not hang the
pacifier around your baby's neck with a string. Your baby could be
accidentally strangled
Choosing a
Pacifier
- to avoid
improper breathing and abnormal molding of the baby's jaws, choose a
soother that resembles the natural nipple and
breast
Pacifier use can
cause abnormal development of the jaws and teeth. Some reasons
are:
- improperly sized
and shaped soother
- strength of
sucking action
- length of time
the soother is present within the mouth
If you have any questions
or concerns about pacifiers, talk to KDental office.
