Article: The effect of BIBS weaning on teeth

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Mar 7, 2023

The effect of BIBS weaning on teeth

How do pacifiers affect your baby's teeth?

BIBS receives many questions about the influence of pacifiers on teeth, and they naturally want to answer these questions as factually and honestly as possible. That is why they are in constant contact with dentistry professionals to keep abreast of the latest research and studies on this topic.

Studies have proven that round pacifiers are no worse for teeth than orthodontic pacifiers. All pacifiers - regardless of the shape of the nipple - result in "pacifier teeth", but it is important to clarify that "pacifier teeth" are not dangerous. It all comes down to how intensively and for how long your child uses the pacifier.

When we normally introduce a pacifier to our newborn, we don't think about their teeth. Instead, we want to take care of our baby, soothe him and keep him safe.

Pacifier use habits

Babies have a natural sucking reflex from birth, and the child will try to satisfy this need with a pacifier, the mother's breast, the thumb, or something else. From a dental point of view, it is better to use a pacifier to prevent the baby from sucking his thumb.

“One of the benefits of pacifiers is to prevent the baby from sucking the thumb. As far as teeth and jaws are concerned, the pacifier is preferable. It is very difficult for the baby to stop thumbing, while a pacifier can be taken away from the baby much more easily”.

– Nina Nissen Falbert, dentist

Another advantage of pacifiers (from a dental point of view) is that the use of pacifiers counteracts mouth breathing.

“Mouth breathing means that you often use your mouth to breathe, both day and night, instead of your nose. It is better to breathe through the nose, because this protects the mucous membranes, increases oxygen intake, prevents cavities in the teeth and prevents an altered jaw position due to the resting position of the tongue.”

– Carina Løvstad, dental hygienist

EFFECTS OF THE PACIFIER

“There are many different pacifiers on the market. When it comes to teeth, however, it doesn't matter which pacifier your baby uses, as the teeth will normally align on their own, regardless of the misalignment, if the recommendations are followed and the child stops using it around the age of 3 of the pacifier.”

– Nina Nissen Falbert, dentist

There are no studies that confirm that one type of pacifier causes fewer teeth alignment problems than the other type of pacifier. Different teat shapes affect the teeth differently, but no teat is better than the other. One advice is to choose a pacifier with a valve, because the valve ensures that the air is pushed out of the teat when the baby sucks on it. This helps the teat to form naturally to the baby's mouth, tongue and palate.

STOP using the teat IN TIME

As your baby grows and develops, it is important to consider the impact of teeth and gums.

“Many studies have shown that if your child stops using a pacifier before the age of three, teeth generally normalize without treatment later in life”
– Nina Nissen Falbert, dentist

As with anything, it's important to get your baby used to life without a pacifier in small, gradual steps, while still providing that comfort when needed in the toddler phase. If it is not possible to get the baby to stop using a pacifier before the age of three, try to let your little one use the pacifier as little as possible.

It is important to remember that all children are different and prolonged use of the pacifier affects the alignment of the teeth. It will depend on how much they use it, for how long and the intensity. You know your child best and if in doubt, follow the dentist's advice.

Here are some studies if you want to read more on the subject yourself 🙂

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do pacifiers affect permanent teeth?
If your child stops using the pacifier before the age of three (ie before the permanent teeth erupt), the position of the baby teeth is generally normalized and the permanent teeth are not affected.

2. Does the shape of pacifiers affect the palate and oral development?
Prolonged use of a pacifier (after the age of three) can cause alignment problems with both the baby teeth, permanent teeth and jaws. This may affect the child's chewing or biting ability and may affect the child's temporomandibular joint and appearance.

NB: this is after prolonged use of a pacifier. If your child stops using the pacifier before the age of three (ie before the permanent teeth erupt), the position of the baby teeth is generally normalized and the permanent teeth are not affected.

3. When should you stop using a pacifier?
Many studies have shown that if your child stops using a pacifier before the age of three, the position of the baby teeth is generally normalized and the permanent teeth are not affected.

4. Which pacifier shape (round, flat or anatomical) best suits the teeth?
one type of pacifier causes fewer problems with the alignment of the teeth than the other type of pacifier. Different teat shapes affect the teeth differently, but no teat is better than the other. If the child stops using the pacifier at the age of 3, the baby teeth often move into the correct position on their own and the permanent teeth are not affected.

5. Can long-term use of a pacifier cause an overbite, crossbite or open bite later in life?
Yes, prolonged use of a pacifier can cause problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaw later in life. However, this applies to long-term use. If your child stops using the pacifier before the age of three (before the permanent teeth erupt), the position of the baby teeth is generally normalized and the permanent teeth are not affected.

6. Can a pacifier be orthodontically approved by dentists?
If “ dentist approved orthodontics ” means that a dentist has approved that a pacifier will not affect teeth, then no! Different pacifiers have a different effect on the teeth. However, the most important thing is how long the child uses the pacifier. If your child stops using the pacifier before the age of three (before the permanent teeth erupt), the position of the baby teeth is generally normalized and the permanent teeth are not affected.

7. Can it be harmful to children's teeth if they share their pacifiers with other children because of bacteria?
No, it is not harmful to the teeth to share a pacifier when it comes to bacteria. But with regard to illnesses such as the common cold or other contagious childhood illnesses, it's a good idea to keep a pacifier private and not share it.

8. Does BIBS Color size 3 damage the teeth more than size 1?
It is not dangerous to give a size 3 newborn. However, most newborns prefer a smaller size. All BIBS pacifiers, regardless of size, can be used from birth. But of course a larger pacifier will put more pressure on the teeth than a smaller pacifier. But keep in mind that if your baby stops using the pacifier before they are three years old (i.e. before the permanent teeth erupt), the position of the baby teeth is generally normalized and the permanent teeth are not affected .

Written by May Mays