Pacifiers can be soothing to your baby, but they can lead to dental problems when used for too long. Prolonged use of a pacifier can make your baby's mouth grow improperly, making it necessary to provide them with orthodontic care as they grow. If your baby is currently using a pacifier, you need to know when to stop it and how to wean them off.
When to Stop
After a certain amount of time, pacifiers start affecting your baby's teeth. However, by that time, the child will be used to it. Therefore, you need to come up with ways you can break this habit.
Generally, the child should stop using a pacifier when they turn four years old. When they approach this age, choose a time to start weaning them off it before impactful life events start happening. In most cases, kids cling to pacifiers because they are comforting. Therefore, you need to be careful about when to start the weaning process. You can start by gradually limiting the use instead of stopping it at once. Use other alternatives to soothe the child, such as playing calm music or cuddling them as they fall asleep.
Dangers of Pacifiers
Continued use of pacifiers can result in conditions like "the pacifier teeth." This is a condition that can cause serious dental problems in the future. For example, pacifiers can cause teeth to become slanted and crooked as the baby grows. This can cause problems with jaw alignment as well as teeth alignment. Furthermore, prolonged use of a pacifier can also alter the roof of the mouth. This is why it is important to wean your child on time.
Avoid making your baby dependent on the pacifier for comfort; instead, try other alternatives like singing lullabies. For more information on pacifiers and when the child should stop using them, contact our offices.
Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
Downtown Seattle Dentist
Summit Dental Care: convenient location in downtown Seattle; strong online website and patient portal (e.g., appointments, dental records); reception staff, hygienist, chairside assistants - competent and professional. Most importantly, there is Summit Dental's Dr. Vu, DDS - a very skilled dental professional who seems to genuinely care about the welfare of his patients. A recent dental crisis/emergency was handled without delay; when a tooth is "making its presence known," one doesn't want to hear, "Let me see if we have any openings..."! Dr. Vu replaced my (now retired) dentist of 20+ years - it has been a wise decision to stay with the practice.
- Mark D. Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
Dentist Downtown Seattle
Dr. Vu is great. He and his staff are all friendly and kind, and I’ve consistently had good experiences at his office. He’s always trying to think of ways to improve patient experience- including offering noise canceling headphones for when you get fillings so you can listen to music or a podcast to distract you from the noise of the drill. Brilliant!
- Lindsay S. Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
Seattle Family Dentistry
I've been a patient here for 6 years now and Dr. Vu and the team continue to exceed my expectations. They do a great job of listening to you and treat you with the utmost respect. I am so happy here that I keep paying extra for an out-of-Network dental plan. My gum health has improved tremendously and I have reclaimed my smile.
- Michael Z. Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
Seattle Dentist
Dr. Vu and the team are like family! They treat my dental needs and make me feel right at home. When I had a dental emergency they cleared out time to make sure I was taken care of. I knocked 2 teeth out in a bike accident and you can’t even tell!! They also make a great point to support the LGBTQ+ community!
- Scotty C. Quote marks iconRound starting quote marks
About Us - Dentist Seattle bull; Nearby Seattle Dentist • Summit Dental Care Want more info about your nearby Seattle dentist? At Summit Dental Care, our mission is to provide the highest quality of dental care! Click for more! Summit Dental Care, 720 Olive Way Suite #930, Seattle, WA 98101, 206-292-9980, summitdentalcareseattle.com, 9/25/2023, Page Terms:dentist Seattle WA,