Pacifiers: Pros & Cons

By Ashley Valco

According to a very quick google search, the pacifier was invented in 1902 by James Meacham. If that is true, I don’t know if it’s because he was desperate to quell the new screaming baby in his house or if he simply had a grand idea. Either way, moms have been unknowingly praising him ever since. When the sweet infant that just took over your life won’t stop crying, you thank God for that little piece of rubber and plastic! 

As wonderful as they may be, at what point should you be concerned about the use of a pacifier? Here is a simple list of the pro’s and cons of the paci. 

Pros:

Lower the risk for SIDS. This is the biggest pro in my opinion. SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, grips mothers with fear. With a growing list of things that all of our mothers have responded to with “I never/always did that and you turned out fine!” anything that gives us a little relief from that stress is appreciated. Docs say that using a pacifier during naps and overnight sleep may reduce risk of SIDS by half. 

Happy baby = happy parents.  When you bring home the baby for the first time you realize that life is about to get crazy. Amazing and beautiful, but crazy. When some of those crazy things happen they are much easier to deal with without the screaming. Giving a baby a pacifier will help them learn to self sooth. It helps them relax and feel secure. 

Cons:

That smile. Long term pacifier use can effect the way the teeth meet together. Before age 2, it’s unlikely that a problem can arise. If it does, growing teeth may be able to self correct. As time passes, problems can become worse with slanting and tilting of the front teeth. By age 4 to 6, there will be long lasting effects on the teeth. Around this age is when adult teeth begin to make their appearance. 

If your child has a pacifier habit, discuss with their dental hygienist/dentist if there has been any changes to your child's teeth, or any other implications that may arise. 

Buying a pacifier with a ventilation hole can help prevent oral problems. 

“When the baby closes down on the teat, the air from inside the teat is pushed out through the ventilation system thereby flattening the teat and adapting to the baby´s individual oral cavity. So, the ventilation hole is needed in order to allow for proper development of your baby's jaw and mouth.” ~MAM products

A few things to keep in mind with pacifier use:

• If the pacifier falls on the ground, do NOT use your own mouth to cleanse it. There are many more damaging bacteria in your own mouth that you do not want to pass on. 

• Do not sweeten a pacifier to make it more enticing. It will damage their teeth. 

• Pick a pacifier with a ventilation hole. 

• Wash pacifiers with soap and water to keep them clean between uses. 

• Get the right size. Pacifiers are designed to fit your baby’s mouth based on age. 

As always, ask if you have any questions! 

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Age One Dental Visit

By Ashley Valco

I am a new mom to a beautiful 10 month old baby boy. He is happy and healthy and very curious. Around 6 months of age the happy disappeared for a bit while we experienced the dreaded sleepless nights and unconsolable screaming that came along with some teeth. His bottom two teeth came through without a peep! In fact, I didn’t know he had them until he bit me! 

So, at this point, you may be thinking this is about teething. I will address that at some point in the future, but, not today... 

When my sons top two teeth came busting through with a vengeance, the first thing I noticed was the small yellow spot in the center of each one. I couldn’t believe it. Could he be missing the enamel from his teeth? I patiently waited until they were fully showing to determine what to do next. 

So, today, we will be talking about the importance of getting your little one to the dentist at age one, or within 6 months of the appearance of their first tooth.  

“What?”

“Age one?!” 

“But everyone else said age 3.... Even my pediatrician.” 

“What could you possibly do during a visit with a 12 month old??”

First and foremost, just like everything you have heard from the day you found out you were pregnant, each baby is an individual and should be treated as such.

My son, as an individual, needs a bit more diligence when it comes to keeping his teeth plaque free and watching his nutrition. If I wasn’t a dental hygienist I wouldn’t know that. I actually wouldn’t know until I brought him to his first dental exam. And if I had listened to my pediatrician, that would have been at age 3. But, by then he could have had two large cavities. What a terrible way to start off the dental experience. 

Supporters of the age one dental exam:

• AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• ADA (American Dental Association)
• AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry)
• ADHA (American Dental Hygiene Association)

Why you should bring your little one to the dentist by age one:

• Assessment of the needs and treatment that are specific to your child. 
• Cavities are preventable. 
• Baby teeth are important and are present until age 12. 
• The health of baby teeth can effect the health of adult teeth. 
• Cavities in baby teeth can lead to problems including growth, development, and self-esteem.
• Decrease in health care costs. 

What you should expect during this visit:

• Discussion about oral health care and nutrition that can effect overall health and dental health.
• Current habits like thumb sucking or pacifier. 
• Discussion about tooth development and if your specific child needs fluoride. 
• An exam.
• Fluoride treatment
• A cleaning if it is possible.
• Answering all of your questions and concerns. 

I know that was a lot to take in, but the bottom line is to not wait to get your little one into the dentist. We prefer to prevent cavities rather than treat them. And I am sure you, your child, and your wallet would prefer that too! 

Questions? Let me know!  You can comment in the comment section below!  Come back next week to discuss brushing problems & tips for all ages!!