Question
What are the pros and cons of soothing pacifiers for baby teeth?
Answer
From a physiological perspective, the innate non-conditioned reflex, the suckling reflex, in babies gradually diminishes over time. When continuously suckling on a pacifier, air enters the mouth from both sides of the baby’s mouth with each swallowing action, eventually reaching the stomach. This can lead to frequent contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing abdominal pain. Long-term use of soothing pacifiers can interfere with the growth and development of the baby’s upper and lower jaws, leading to an overbite and improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth, which may result in an unattractive appearance of the lips.