Should Parents Suck On A Pacifier Before Baby….??

Parents have been known to suck on a pacifier before giving it to their baby in order to boost the child’s bacterial diversity and foster immunity.

NOT SO FAST … says the American Dental Association (ADA). Licking a pacifier can transfer cavity-causing bacteria from parents to children – increasing the possibility of tooth decay as they grow.pacifier web

A child’s teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they begin to erupt. Cavity – causing bacteria can be transmitted from the adult saliva to children, increasing their risk of getting cavities.

Sharing utensils with a baby, or the parent sucking on the pacifier to clean it can also increase the likelihood of transmitting decay-causing bacteria. 

Steps that parents can take to help children develop a healthy immune system;

1)    Breast milk is widely acknowledged as a good immunity-builder as well as the most complete form of nutrition for infants

2)    Parents can protect the dental health of young children by promoting a healthy diet, monitoring their intake of sugary foods and soda/acidic drinks, brushing their teeth or wiping gums after mealtimes and by having infants finish their bedtime or naptime bottle before going to bed.

Positive Effects from sucking on a pacifier:

1)    Assists in reducing the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies who are offered a pacifier do not sleep as deeply as deeply as those who sleep without a pacifier. Pacifier sucking makes it possible for the infant to be aroused from deep sleep that could result in the stopping of breathing.

2)    Pacifiers also increase sucking satisfaction and provide a source of comfort to infants.

Negative Effects from sucking on a Pacifier:

1)    Children should stop sucking on a pacifier by age 2. Prolonged pacifier use can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth, alignment of the teeth and alters the growth pattern of the face in a negative way.

2)    Continuous sucking on a Pacifier can increase the incidence of middle ear infections by opening up the auditory tubes and allowing the bacteria –filled secretions from the throat to seep into the middle ear.

How to break the pacifier habit:

1)    Dip the pacifier in white vinegar to make it distasteful.

2)    Pierce the nipple of the pacifier or cut it shorter to reduce the sucking satisfaction.

3)    Leave it behind on a trip or implement the “cold turkey” method. 

Steps parents can take to help children develop a healthy mouth:

1) Restrict pacifier use to the time when the infant is falling asleep.

2) Use a Nuk Sager pacifier that permits the pacifier to remain in the correct sucking position.

3) It is recommended that children receive their first dental visit within six months of eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age. For more information go to MouthHealthy.org.

4) The American association of Orthodontists recommends that a child get an Orthodontic screening by 7 years of age because an orthodontist can detect facial growth abnormalities related to Pacifier-Sucking, Mouth Breathing or other habits that can be reversed if diagnosis is made at the appropriate time. Certain Orthopedic measures, if taken at the right time, can harmonize jaw growth and prevent the need for extraction of permanent teeth. For more information go to Braces.org or KiheiOrthodonticsMaui.com.