February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is a time when people learn a little more about what it takes to keep kids’ smiles shining. That can mean getting braces to correct alignment problems, but understanding what can cause misalignment, and what you can do about it, is equally important.
For example, sucking habits past a certain age can potentially cause long-term problems for your child’s teeth. If you want to know how, or how you can prevent that, here’s a guide with some information you should have.
When Should I Wean My Child Off of Their Pacifier
Some dentists recommend weaning your child off of their pacifier at the age of 2, but many organizations think that’s too early. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that parents should aim for the age of four—past that point, a pacifier could damage your child’s future oral health.
What If My Child Uses Their Pacifier for Too Long?
Of course, if your child still uses their pacifier occasionally past the age of four, there shouldn’t be that much of a problem. The long-term effects of pacifier use are a result of not only the age of your child, but the frequency and intensity of use.
However, it’s possible that your child’s jaw could start developing around the pacifier itself. This leads to an alignment issue known as “open bite,” where your child’s front teeth don’t meet when they close their mouth. When you see a picture of the condition, it almost looks like there’s a pacifier-shaped gap in their smile.
How Do I Wean My Child Off of Their Pacifier?
If your child is very dependent on pacifier use, getting them to stop can be a massive challenge. Here are a few things you can try:
- Pierce the Pacifier: By poking a hole in the tip of your child’s pacifier, you can make using it less satisfying, encouraging your child to drop the habit.
- Pass it On: Have your child pass their pacifier on to someone younger. That way, they can feel like they’ve grown up a little bit.
- Praise: Of course, when your child goes a full night without a pacifier, be sure to praise them. Tell them what a big kid they’ve become, and how proud you are of them.
About Our Practice
At Richardson Orthodontics, we’re committed to making patients of any age feel happy and confident in their smiles. We know that isn’t just about getting braces; it’s about helping our patients to understand what it takes to keep their teeth in the best shape possible. We spend time with our patients one-on-one so that we can create a custom-made treatment plan to get them the best results possible.
If you have any questions about how to break a pacifier habit for your child, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (972) 238-7101.