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Home › Articles › General Health › Reexamining the Pacifier

Reexamining the Pacifier

Can Pacifiers Reduce the Risk of SIDS?

By Teri Brown

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Pacifiers and Dental Concerns
It has been said for many years that pacifiers may cause dental problems. It is now thought the problems lie in how long the pacifier is used. The American Dental Association's recommendations state pacifier use under 1 year of age is not associated with permanent tooth malocclusion/cross bite.

"Tooth malocclusion is a potential issue for those toddlers who still use them," says Dr. Brown. "I think 6 months [of age] is a good time to get rid of it."

Finding the Right Pacifier
Finding the right pacifier can be an exercise in trial and error. "The clips with the ribbons to keep the pacifier nearby is a no-no if a baby is left alone with it," says Dr. Brown. "Pacifiers which have two pieces are potentially dangerous. I recommend one-piece pacifiers ... because they are safe and most like Mom's nipple."

Though pacifier use is an individual decision, the new AAP report makes a very compelling reason to consider using one, at least for Baby's first six months.

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