Pacifier Pros & Cons
To binky or not to binky? Pacifier use for infants has been a subject of debate as long as they’ve been around. Jeff & Candy McComb shares some pros and cons below. Pros Pacifiers can soothe a fussy baby. Whether your child has a strong sucking reflex or has difficulty falling asleep, a pacifier can be an effective step towards entering Dreamland. (Unfortunately, sleeping through the night is not affected by pacifier use.) Pacifiers are distracting. If baby has to have a shot, a binky can help to forget the poke. Pacifiers can reduce SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk at naptime and bedtime. If breastfeeding, wait until baby is 3-4 weeks old and you’ve got a regular nursing routine. Cons Pacifiers may increase ear-infection risk. However, babies 0-6 months old are at the highest risk of SIDS and the lowest risk of ear infection, which is the age babies usually want a binky most. Prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental problems. Explorer Kids Dental wants you to know that normal pacifier use during the first few years of a child’s life rarely affects the teeth, but prolonged use can cause bite misalignment or postpone teeth coming in as they should. If you have more questions about pacifier use or just need a quality dentist for your little one, contact us at Explorer Kids Dental today! The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Share this post
Explore more blogs
April 13, 2021
Is My Child's Oral Hygiene Routine Sufficient?
When you're just getting started with your child's oral hygiene, you may have a lot of questions. Here's what you need to know.
March 27, 2021
Why Haven't My Child's Permanent Teeth Come In?
If your child's permanent adult teeth haven't emerged in a timely manner, you may wonder if there is a reason to worry. Here are a few possible reasons.
March 13, 2021
Why Are My Baby's Teeth Stained?
It is not uncommon for a child's teeth to appear less than pearly white. Here's what causes staining and what you can do about it.
February 27, 2021
Late for an Important Date: When Baby Teeth Don't Fall Out
Sometimes baby tooth loss doesn't happen in the usual order, and an over-retained baby tooth can cause complications.
February 13, 2021
Zirconia Crowns for Kids
In 2010, zirconia became available for use in pediatric dentistry as a durable, biocompatible crown option for children.
January 27, 2021
Help Your Little Superhero Fight Bad Breath Bugs
Explorer Kids Dental discusses what causes bad breath in children and how to fight it effectively.
January 13, 2021
Should I Let My Teen Whiten Their Teeth?
Here's what parents should know about teen teeth whitening — what's safe, what's not, and when to wait.
December 27, 2020
Take it Easy After Tooth Extraction
Sometimes we recommend extraction to get kids back on track. Here's what to expect for aftercare following a tooth extraction.
December 13, 2020
Do You Smooch Your Pooch?
There's a common misconception that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's mouth. As it turns out, that's not true at all.
November 27, 2020
How to Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
Being the parent of a little one means making a lot of decisions each day. How do you choose the right pediatric dentist? Here's what to look for.
November 13, 2020
Xylitol: Is it Safe for Kids?
Xylitol is a naturally-occurring substance used as an FDA-approved artificial sweetener that can also assist in the prevention of tooth decay.
