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Pacifiers and teeth? Everything you need to know for your baby

 

5 min. read time

 

Your baby is born wanting to suck. In fact, it’s not unusual to see them sucking their thumb on pre-natal scans. Using a pacifier can be a way to encourage this natural behavior, comfort your baby, and help them settle.3 But does it have an impact on their teeth?

 

In this article, we will explore all the facts you need to know about pacifiers and teeth including the different types of pacifiers, why they can be good for teething babies, and the dos and don’ts of safe pacifier use. We will also answer frequently asked questions about pacifiers and teeth including: what is the best pacifier for teeth, and does a pacifier affect teeth development:

 

  • Open shield: A wide, open shield allows good airflow while in use. They’re designed with comfort in mind, as they don’t rub or irritate your baby’s mouth and skin.
  • Closed shield: Most traditional pacifiers have a closed shield featuring small holes for ventilation.
  • Round nipples: A popular choice as they are designed to mimic the tongue placement and sucking motion of breastfeeding.
  • Orthodontic nipples: With one edge flat, and the other rounded, these are designed to support your baby’s jaw and teeth as they grow.
  • Teething pacifiers: Specially designed to help soothe your baby’s gums when teeth emerge.
  • Age-specific pacifiers: Pacifiers come in several age groups including 0-3 months, 0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18-36 months. 

Pacifiers and teeth: 4 reasons pacifiers may be helpful with teething babies

 

Here are four top pros when it comes to pacifiers and teething:

 

  1. Comfort: if your baby is fussy, especially when teething, a pacifier can offer a temporary distraction and comfort.
  2. Sleep: teething can cause babies to struggle to settle. Pacifiers may help them drift off without needing to feed to sleep.
  3. Relief: A specialized teething pacifier, especially when popped in the fridge or freezer, can offer temporary relief for sore gums when your baby is teething. 
  4. Disposable: Unlike babies that suck their thumb or fingers, a pacifier can be thrown away when it’s time to break the habit.

Pacifier and teething babies: Dos and don’ts

 

It’s important to remember these top safety tips:

 

  • DO replace old, damaged, or cracked pacifiers. The damage may be caused by teething, chewing, or just general wear and tear. We recommend replacing your pacifier every 4 weeks just to be safe!
  • DO properly clean and sterilize your baby’s pacifiers2, as bacteria can lead to plaque and damage to your baby’s teeth. 
  • DO allow them to cool fully after washing and sterilizing before returning them to your baby.
  • DON’T force your baby to use a pacifier if rocking or changing positions could help to comfort and calm them.
  • DON’T put sweet things like honey or syrup on a pacifier to encourage use as this increases the risk of caries and other damage to your baby’s teeth.4
  • DON’T let your baby chew on a pacifier as this could damage the nipple and lead to choking. Instead, opt for a specially designed pacifier and teething toys if they want to chew rather than suck.

What you need

Frequently asked questions to learn how to choose a pacifier

 

If you have questions, we’re here to help. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions to help you learn how to choose a pacifier:

 

  • What is a pacifier?

    A pacifier is a product designed as a nipple substitute. They are often given to babies and toddlers to suck as they help to satisfy their need to suck as a form of security and comfort. 

  • What is the best pacifier for teeth and health?

    Pacifiers made from food-grade silicone are often the safest options, free from harmful ingredients like BPA.5 Whilst latex pacifiers are completely safe to use, they may not be suitable for families with allergies.6,7 For those with allergies and sensitivities, silicone pacifiers may be preferred.

  • Which pacifier type is the best shape for developing teeth?

    To help avoid the risk of your baby’s teeth pushing forward, the best pacifiers for teeth are orthodontic pacifiers. These are specially shaped to protect your baby’s teeth as they grow and develop.

    Top tip: Pick pacifiers from the Philips Avent range such as the ultra-soft pacifier which supports natural oral development.

  • Are pacifiers bad for teeth?8

    While pacifiers aren’t necessarily bad for teeth, there is some evidence that frequent, prolonged use may lead to some problems such as misaligned teeth. This is why it is important to use pacifiers safely and only offer them when needed.

  • Are Avent pacifiers bad for teeth?8,9

    As mentioned above, pacifiers aren’t necessarily bad for teeth but there is some evidence that frequent, prolonged use may lead to some problems.

  • Do pacifiers help with teething?

    Pacifiers can ease the pain from incoming front teeth and comfort your baby while satisfying their desire to suck. For extra relief, pop the pacifier in the fridge to cool it down, or opt for a specially designed teething pacifier.

 

Whether you’re wondering which pacifier is best for teeth, need to know the pros and cons of using a pacifier, or have questions such as, “Are Avent pacifiers bad for teeth?” this article has you covered. Now you can make an informed decision when choosing a pacifier for your baby.

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Sources
1 Pacifier safety, healthychildren.org
2 Pacifiers (soothers): A user’s guide for parents, NCBI
3 Recommendations for the use of pacifiers, NCBI
4 Pacifiers, AAP
5 Pacifiers, Philips
6 Latex allergy in children, NCBI
7 Risks and benefits of pacifiers, AAFP
8 Impact of Pacifiers & Thumb Sucking on Children’s Teeth, American Association of Orthodontists
9 Are Philips Avent pacifiers orthodontically safe