Question

Does using a pacifier affect the development of a baby’s teeth? Our child has been using one for some time now, and we are very concerned about the potential impact on their health. Can you provide some advice?

Answer

Pacifiers can be helpful for young babies, such as in soothing anxiety or aiding in sleep. However, long-term use of pacifiers may affect the normal development of teeth, leading to delayed teething, misaligned teeth, and even overlapping teeth. Therefore, it is recommended that parents try to stop using the pacifier after the baby is six months old and monitor its use before that to avoid prolonged use.