There are two types of sucking habits in babies. The first of these is nutritive sucking, which is natural breastfeeding. Non-nutritive sucking starts instinctively with thumb sucking in the womb. This habit continues with the use of pacifiers and bottles in infancy and childhood. The use of pacifiers has some advantages as well as some disadvantages such as calming the crying baby and making it easier to fall asleep.
The pacifier that comes into contact with unclean surfaces when dropped and is taken back into the mouth creates health problems for children. They can cause mouth, ear and intestinal infections if not cleaned properly. As well as using specially produced sterilizers to clean pacifiers, easier and natural methods such as boiling for 5 minutes every other day or cleaning with vinegar can be preferred.
It is common for pacifiers to be dipped in a food to help the child get used to the pacifier or calm down. It is inevitable that tooth decay will occur as a result of pacifiers dipped in sugary foods and given to the child. When using pacifiers, you can prevent cavities by not dipping them in any food and brushing your child's teeth twice a day.
The child's frequent and vigorous use of the pacifier until old age may lead to jaw disorders that will require orthodontic treatment in the future, such as tooth displacement, cross-closure, and incorrect swallowing. It is stated in the studies that the dental disorders caused by the pacifier can resolve spontaneously when the pacifier is left at 2-3 years old. The pacifier should be stopped before the child reaches a late age, and if necessary, support from a pedagogue and dentist should be sought. In addition to the duration of use of the pacifier, the type of pacifier used is also important. There are many different types of pacifiers on the market. Choosing the right pacifier can minimize the occurrence of jaw and dental problems.
Please consult your physician to make the right decisions and get detailed information about your child's oral and dental health.
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