General

How do I get my child to give up their pacifier?

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

The pacifier can be a hard habit to break for children. It’s important to break the pacifier habit prior to age 3. Past the age of 3 the mouth and teeth conform to fit around the pacifier; and often the growth of your child is changed permanently. The pacifier actually serves as an orthodontic appliance and will change your child’s bite, make the roof of their mouth narrow and high and can even create a cross bite. Also, it can push the front teeth forward and even outward, causing “bucked teeth”. All of these changes can be permanent and can only be changed by difficult and expensive orthodontic treatment.

Here are some suggestions for breaking the Pacifier Habit: the Pacifier/ Binky fairy. She is a cousin to the tooth fairy and her job is to take all the binkies/pacifiers in one night from next to the bed or under the pillow and leave a toy in their place. Alternatively, if you have an upcoming vacation “accidently” leave the binky/ pacifier behind. (If traveling with others give them a heads up). The first few nights will be more difficult but by being in a different environment and not having them handy the child will start to calm down and sooth in other ways. Refrain from running out to the closest store to get one. Another way is to cut a little off the end of the binky slightly each night or make a large hole in the end, this causes the sucking motion to be less fulfilling and causes the child to lose interest. Cold turkey is another option: simply toss them out. With any of these methods it may be a difficult night or two a first. However, children adapt quickly and it’s important to keep in mind that you are not punishing your child you are doing what is best from them. Several benefits include: not having “buck teeth” which allows a child to eat easier, properly formed mouths allow your child to speak better and you will save thousands of dollars in orthodontic costs later on.

Tags: Age one dental appointment, baby teeth, Baby teething, Breaking the Pacifier habit, Happy and fun dental office for kids, My childs first dental appointment, my childs first dentist, Pacifier, Pacifier use, Pacifiers, pediatric dentist, primary teeth
Posted in 1st time at the dentist, Childs First Dental Visit, First Dental Visit, Fun Dental Office, General, Positive Experience, Prevention, Uncategorized, baby teeth, childrens dentist, dental office, dental visits, dentist, kids dentist, kids teeth, my kids teeth, pediatric dentist, primary teeth