Our Local Pediatric Dentists Provide Information About Dental Health

Is It Okay for My Child to Use Pacifiers?

Many parents ask local pediatric dentists if it is okay to give their children pacifiers. It is okay for you to give your child pacifiers. They can help soothe your baby. However, you don’t want to use pacifiers for long periods of time. They can cause serious dental problems.

Problems Caused By Excessive Pacifier Use

Sherrills Ford dentists for kids recommend that you stop giving your child a pacifier at the age of six months. Long-term pacifier use can cause the following problems.

Open Bite

An open bite is a problem that occurs when the teeth do not align properly when your mouth is closed. The teeth may not touch when your mouth is closed. Local pediatric dentists usually advise that people who have bite issues get braces.

Overbite

An overbite is a problem that occurs when the top teeth protrude more than they should.

Buck Teeth

Buck teeth are protruding front teeth. This problem may sometimes be caused by hereditary, so you may not be able to prevent it. However, it can sometimes be caused by using a pacifier.

Changes to the Roof of the Mouth

Long-term pacifier use can cause the roof of the mouth to narrow. If you notice this problem, then you should take your child to one of the Sherrills Ford dentist for kids.

If you have trouble breaking a pacifier habit, then you may be thinking “I have to find a pediatric dentist near me.” You can contact our office and make an appointment. We will help your child break their pacifier habit.