{"id":238,"date":"2025-06-19T20:41:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T20:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gandgpediatricdentistryandorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=238"},"modified":"2025-07-22T21:41:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T21:41:45","slug":"pacifiers-will-they-impact-your-childs-tooth-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gandgpediatricdentistryandorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=238","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Your Baby\u2019s Teeth: The Truth About Pacifier Use"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"a<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Pacifiers<\/a> are commonly used by babies who need help self-soothing when upset or scared. These small oral devices offer comfort and can be a relief for parents who are unsure about what they can do to calm their little one down. Unfortunately, prolonged use or attachment to them can create issues as your baby grows older, one of which is tooth development. Read on to learn how to use pacifiers responsibly and safeguard your child against potential oral health problems in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What are Pacifier Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPacifier teeth\u201d is a term used to explain what can happen to a baby\u2019s smile if prolonged pacifier use occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While babies and toddlers tend to reach for it (or their thumb) when upset or uncomfortable, the habitual practice can negatively impact their tooth eruption and alignment if allowed to continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why pediatric dentists strongly encourage discontinuing the use of pacifiers early on, as doing so can give your child a better chance of avoiding oral health problems in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Kinds of Oral Development Problems Can Occur with Pacifier Overuse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As your child grows and their teeth erupt, the force that is placed on the back of the front teeth because of the sucking motion that is used with a pacifier will cause these pearly whites to become crooked or shift forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The longer a child sucks on a pacifier or their thumb, the greater the risk of developing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n