Pacifiers & Little Smiles: Finding the Best Fit for Healthy Teeth

Pacifiers can be comforting and soothing for babies, but finding the right type and knowing when to stop is essential for healthy oral development. Here, we’ll cover the best pacifier options, those to avoid, and the optimal time to transition away from pacifier use to promote the best dental health for your little one.

The Best Pacifiers for Dental Health

When choosing a pacifier, it’s important to look for those designed to support the natural development of a baby’s palate, teeth, and jaw. Orthodontic pacifiers are generally considered the best for dental health because they’re designed to distribute sucking pressure more evenly across the mouth. Here are Dr. Andrea’s top recommendations:

1. NUK Orthodontic Pacifiers
   Designed by pediatric dentists, these have a flat shape with a rounded top, distributing pressure across the palate. Their shape also mimics breastfeeding, which can help babies transition between nursing and pacifier use.
2. MAM Orthodontic Pacifiers
   MAM pacifiers were developed with orthodontists and feature an angled, anti-slip nipple that minimizes pressure on the jaw and teeth, encouraging a more natural sucking motion.
3. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Pacifier
   Its symmetrical orthodontic design supports natural oral development and is available in various sizes to suit a growing baby’s needs.
4. Philips Avent Soothie
   Known for its one-piece construction and hospital-grade silicone, this pacifier is gentle on gums and teeth. While it lacks an orthodontic shape, its soft and flexible material makes it a baby-friendly option.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pacifier: Select a pacifier that is age-appropriate, choose models that are orthodontic or made with soft, flexible materials, and ensure frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene. Keep in mind that some babies may have a preference for certain pacifiers, so you might need to try a few brands to find the one they like best.

The Worst Pacifiers for Dental Health

Some pacifiers can inadvertently apply excessive pressure on a baby’s mouth, increasing the risk of issues like open bite, overbite, and crossbite. Here are a few types of pacifiers to avoid:

-Traditional Round PacifiersThese have a bulbous, rounded shape that puts uneven pressure on the palate, which can cause misalignment of teeth and jaw over time.

-One-Size-Fits-All Pacifiers
Using a pacifier that isn’t properly sized for a baby’s age can place unnecessary strain on developing gums, teeth, and jaw structures.

-Decorative or Novelty Pacifiers
Designed for aesthetics rather than function, these pacifiers may have hard or irregular shapes, putting uneven pressure on the mouth and leading to potential alignment issues.

-Hard Plastic or Non-Flexible Pacifiers
Rigid pacifiers restrict natural mouth movement and can inhibit oral development, causing babies to develop unnatural sucking motions that could harm dental health.

-Cheap, Low-Quality Pacifiers
These can have irregular shapes and may be made with harmful dyes or chemicals, posing additional health risks beyond just dental concerns.

*Please note about plush pacifiers (with stuffed animals attached): Plush pacifiers, like WubbaNub, are popular but can create added weight on the pacifier, placing more force on a baby's teeth and palate.  Additionally, the plush can harbor germs, and can make it harder to wean as babies get emotionally attached to the stuffed animal. We recommend avoiding these pacifiers completely.

When to Stop Using a Pacifier

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests gradually phasing out pacifier use by age 2. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends by age 3.   Studies show that prolonged sucking habits can lead to dental issues like open bites, overbites, and crossbites. Additionally, pacifiers can negatively affect airway development and tongue posture. Even the best pacifiers, when used beyond the recommended weaning age, can potentially contribute to dental misalignments.

Limit Duration: Aim to use the pacifier primarily for soothing rather than all-day use. Extended, continuous use can place unnecessary pressure on the mouth.

Choose the Right Size: Regularly check that the pacifier size is appropriate for your child’s age to prevent undue strain on the mouth.

Wean Gradually: Gradual weaning is often easier for children and can be less stressful than an abrupt stop. Try offering comfort in other ways, such as a soft toy or soothing routine, to ease the transition.

In summary, choosing an orthodontic pacifier and using it sparingly can help support your child’s dental health. Avoid pacifiers that apply unnecessary pressure or are designed primarily for aesthetics rather than function. And, most importantly, be mindful of the weaning timeline to ensure your little one’s developing smile stays healthy and strong.

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-Dr.Andrea