Popping a pacifier into your baby's mouth can feel like mommy magic. There's no denying a pacifier can work extraordinarily well at comforting your baby and calming his or her crying. And according to dentist Columbia Dr. Gregory Wych, many of his patients have questions regarding whether or not to give their child a pacifier.
Parents have turned to pacifiers in one form or another for centuries. Today's pacifiers come in different shapes and sizes, with some being square-shaped, and others that are shaped like the nipple on a baby bottle.
But many mothers question the pros and cons of giving their child a pacifier, so today your dentist Columbia is answering some of the most frequently asked questions he gets from his patients.
Will using a pacifier create 'nipple confusion' for my baby?
Although many babies go back and forth effortlessly between the breast and the bottle, some may experience 'nipple confusion' if synthetic nipples are introduced during the early days of nursing. Bottle-feeding is more likely to cause nipple confusion than pacifiers.
Do pacifiers lead to early weaning?
According to your dentist Columbia, some studies have concluded that the early introduction of pacifiers results in early weaning. The best thing mothers can do to avoid problems with breastfeeding that lead to early weaning is to consult a breastfeeding specialist.
Should I avoid pacifiers completely if my baby is breastfed?
As long as pacifiers are not used as a replacement for meeting a baby's needs, they can be offered to soothe fussy babies without interfering with nursing.
Will using a pacifier cause dental problems in the future?
Your dentist Columbia reports that crooked teeth are the most common problem. Most studies have found that these problems typically occur with prolonged use, after the child has reached 5 years of age.
When is the best time to introduce a pacifier to your child
Babies appear more willing to accept a pacifier between the ages of 2 weeks and 4 months old, when they need additional sucking.
When is the optimal time to stop using a pacifier?
Babies tend to loose their natural sucking urge around the age of 5 - 6 months. Up until this age it is recommended that pacifiers be used as needed.
Are square orthodontic pacifiers better than the rounded ones?
Your dentist Columbia usually recommends the orthodontic-shaped pacifier because it can help to prevent tongue thrust. It's important to choose a shape your baby enjoys.
Remember...it’s recommended that a child be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in. Don’t hesitate - call the office of dentist Columbia Dr. Gregory Wych today to schedule an appointment.
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