When to Stop the Pacifier

This month, North County esteemed pediatric dentist Dr. Breanne Reid shares pacifier advice for parents of babies and toddlers. Read on for helpful hows and wisdom-filled whys around lessening pacifier dependence.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Policy states:
Pacifier use should be discontinued by 36 months of age!

Nutritive pacifier use

Pacifier sucking is beneficial for the first few months of your baby’s life. In fact, during the first year, using a pacifier is considered nutritive sucking—offering some benefits to young infants. Parents may be surprised to learn that eventually many infants naturally wean themselves off the pacifier. However, for others, pacifier use may continue to be a soothing activity for their children even when it moves beyond the nutritive stage and turns into a non-nutritive dependence.

Non-nutritive pacifier use

Ideally, pacifier dependence should lessen around age one, with the goal of ceasing its use by 18 months. Realizing age one and a half is not the most realistic goal for many pacifier-enjoying toddlers, parents should keep a target of 36 months as the cessation age limit. When ceasing pacifier dependence at 36-months, toddlers experience less issues with their developing orofacial complex.

Frequency, duration and intensity

Frequency, duration and intensity of pacifier-sucking can determine the types of changes that will ultimately affect the growth of jaws and teeth.

The first dental visit for one-year-old toddlers

Dr. Brea invites parents to schedule their child’s first dentist visit at either of the Great Smiles’ locations — in Solana Beach or Carlsbad — around first birthdays. The first visit offers time to discuss oral habits and examine any growth discrepancies. It’s also a great opportunity to uncover tips to break the pacifier habit.

Dentist-moms with great advice for The North County Moms

The Great Smiles dentists are moms, too! So these dentist-moms instinctively understand and relate to you and any pacifier dependencies you may be facing with your children. When you meet with the Great Smiles team you will learn strategies to lessen pacifier usage in your child’s young life. Great Smiles PDO is ready to assist in your child’s pacifier journey!