Using a dummy is a common topic among parents and caregivers, with concerns about its effects on their baby’s oral development. Dummies, also known as pacifiers, are a natural comfort for infants as sucking is a reflex they start in the womb. While it helps soothe and calm them, the question remains, “are dummies bad?” The answer is not so straightforward. Using a dummy can be perfectly healthy and natural for babies, as long as it is used appropriately. In this article, we’ll explore the facts about dummies and how they can impact your baby’s oral health.
Dummies Can Impact Teeth––But Maybe Not as Much as We Thought
Many of those who look down on dummy use believe that they cause cavities, crooked teeth, and even receded gums in children. Parents whose babies use dummies may believe this too, and feel guilty over the habit, even going so far as to tell white lies about it during dental exams.
The truth is, dummies (and thumb sucking for that matter) do impact dentition. The good news is that most studies have concluded that these problems only occur with prolonged use after the age of 2 to 5 or when parents dip dummies in sugar, juice, honey, or other sweeteners. While open bites, overbites, and crossbites are associated with dummy use, these risks increase with age. In other words, a baby using a dummy is very unlikely to cause occlusion problems.
How to Use a Dummy Appropriately
Dummies soothe babies when they’re upset and relax them when they’re falling asleep. There’s even an association between dummy use and a decreased risk of SIDS. A dummy habit is much easier to break, and much less harmful to the teeth, than thumb sucking, so there’s no reason to feel bad about choosing to give a dummy to your baby. That said, here are some guidelines to follow to minimize potential harm to the teeth.
Choose an orthodontic dummy that’s made without PVC or BPA.
Weaning should be an ongoing process. By this, we mean that as your baby gets older, gradually decrease the amount of time spent with the dummy. After the baby’s first 6 months, give the dummy only when they’re falling asleep, then only at night-time. This will make it easier for your child to give up the dummy when it’s time.
Never sweeten your baby’s dummy. The calming action of sucking is reward enough for them; there’s no reason to incentivize them with sugar for an action that is instinctive and reflexive.
Dummy use should be stopped by age 4, but ideally by age 2; however, keep in mind that if you can break the habit at a younger age, it will be easier.
Do not clean your child’s dummy with your own saliva. It can transmit cavity-causing bacteria.
Find other ways to soothe your baby, like swaddling, singing, rocking, and massage, to make the weaning process go more smoothly.