The Dangers of Pacifier Use (And How to Avoid Them)

Pacifiers can be a wonderful soothing tool for babies, but they do come with significant oral/dental risks when not used properly. This includes things like an overbite, underbite, misaligned teeth, changes in the roof of the mouth and other quite severe issues.

In this video you'll learn how to safely use a pacifier to avoid these issues while still getting the benefits that come with pacifier use.

You'll also learn about orthodontic pacifiers and whether they are really helpful, and how to transition between pacifiers if needed. Plus I share the results of a fascinating study that compared the teeth alignment of children who used conventional pacifiers, orthodontic pacifiers and no pacifiers at all.

✅ Get your free 0 - 12 months old developmental milestone chart here:

00:00 - 02:00 : First Step To Minimize Dental Problems Due To Pacifier Use
02:00 - 03:10 : Second Step To Minimize Dental Problems Due To Pacifier Use
03:11 - 04:32 : Third Step To Minimize Dental Problems Due To Pacifier Use
04:33 - 06:25 : Fourth Step To Minimize Dental Problems Due To Pacifier Use
06:26 - 08:22 : Fifth Step To Minimize Dental Problems Due To Pacifier Use

#emmahubbard #babydevelopment #pacifier

References:
Adair SM, Milano M, Dushku JC. Evaluation of the effects of orthodontic pacifiers on the primary dentitions of 24- to 59-month-old children: preliminary study. Pediatr Dent. 1992 Jan-Feb;14(1):13-8. PMID: 1502109.

Warren JJ, Bishara SE, Steinbock KL, Yonezu T, Nowak AJ. Effects of oral habits' duration on dental characteristics in the primary dentition. J Am Dent Assoc. 2001;132(12):1685-1693

Disclaimer:
The content on this channel is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

If you have any questions or concerns about the health of your child, yourself or a family member, always seek guidance from your doctor or a qualified health professional. The content on this channel does not substitute, supersede or replace the advice of a medical professional. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have seen on this channel.

If you are in any way concerned that you or a person in your care may be experiencing a medical emergency, call the relevant emergency services in your area immediately.

External (outbound) links found on this channel, or resources, websites, or other content sources mentioned by this channel are not endorsed by this channel (Emma Hubbard) or it's owner (Hubbard Digital Pty. Ltd.) in any way. Under no circumstances is Emma Hubbard or Hubbard Digital Pty. Ltd. responsible for the claims of third party content providers, websites or educational providers.

If you wish to seek clarification on the above matters please contact Hubbard Digital Pty. Ltd. via the contact email on this channel.

[EmmaHubbard]

Which step are you going to start today? Don't forget to get your free 0 - 12 months old developmental milestone chart here:

[cheetahslims]

I was allowed to have a pacifier until I was 4 and it seriously screwed up my teeth, jaw and sinuses. I've had surgery twice to correct it and its still effed up. Thanks for this video Emma, I warn every new parent I meet that their child could end up with my issues if they don't take away the soother!

[lottawickstone]

Thank you for this really informative video. My daughter (now 2) never took the pacifier and I struggled with her sleep from 3-9 months but now I’m happy I don’t have to wean her off it at least!

[mariailyukhina]

Currently on day 4 of weaning my 11 month old from pacifier and this was very encouraging to hear that this process is the right step :)

[Sophia-tido]

Great video!
We only gave the pacifier during sleeptime. The 3y old son of one of my friends got his upper front teeth pushed in an outward direction by the pacifier. To prevent this from happening to our daughter we seized the opportunity. My friend was pregnant at the time and her baby was due in about 2 months. So we proposed to our daughter that when the baby would arrive we would give the pacifier to the newborn baby. We explained that babies feel a great need to suck and since she was no longer a baby, it would be very kind if she would give her pacifier to the baby. We wrapped it up together real nice.
The first two nights ware a bit restless. Sometimes she woke crying but was able to fall asleep again. Within a week she didn’t ask after her pacifier anymore.
This tactic worked great. There was no way for us to be persuaded by tears to give it back to her because it was no longer in the house. She was also old enough (almost 2y) to comprehend this as well. We also got a chance to show you can give something away to someone who needs it more.
Some friends and family reacted surprised we were already getting rid of the pacifier at around 2y. Seeing this video we were already on the tail-end of the advised age. Makes me glad we took the stap and that my daughter took to it without much trouble.

[yoshizenlife]

This was super informative, thanks! My daughter is 13 months now and still uses a pacifier. I had read online that before 3 years of age it was ok to let them keep using it however after watching this video I'm definitely going to start weaning my daughter off hers asap. I sucked my fingers till I was 7 and had a horrible overbite that led to me getting bullied and having to get $5K worth of braces to get my teeth fixed so I definitely don't want my daughter have any teeth problems

[kardelena]

Mine just left hers finally, it was really hard, she had tooth pain and didn't enjoy the pacifier ! So happy it's such a relief

[chidinmachukwujike]

Thank you so much Emma. This video is coming in at the right time cause My son is 4months old.

[dianab]

Around 10 months of age my daughter started intentionally dropping her pacifier (among other things!), so i started incorporating it into our morning routine and taught her how to drop it in her crib herself!
One day, after getting her up and dressed, i picked her up and we stood over her crib. I popped the pacifier out of her mouth, dropped it in the crib and we left the room to start our day. Within a few days she was waiting for her moment in the routine and popping it out and dropping it in her crib herself! it's become her favourite thing and she gets this huge grin on her face when it's her time to shine!

[kusbabi]

i am so happy my daughter stopped using pacifiers on her own by 1 year 9 months, and I am so impressed with her development especially in speaking.

[barbatescuanamaria]

I weaned my daughter off the pacifier at precisely 2 years of age. We used orthodontic pacifiers and she still developed a severe over bite. Also, she developed a bacteria in her mouth that colors her teeth with black spots.
My boy, who is younger, never wanted one and I figured it was for the best and he has perfect teeth now at 2 years old.
I know how tough the first 2 years are, I actually had postpartum depression, but I recommend to wean off at around 6-12 months old.

[ghevartxavier]

Great video Emma (as always). I have a question regarding the thumb: mine suck his thumb when he feels unsecured or bored and to sleep: any tips how to help him to get rid of it ? Thanks !

[Karol_Lynne]

I learn so much from this channel.Thank you!Sending love from Kenya

[myrrh]

My son stopped using a pacifier at 4 months. Everyone around us kept trying to convince me this was a bad thing and I should try to get him to take them again. They insisted that this is part of the reason his sleep is so poor.
Guess the little guy knew better.

[Aspiration]

Can you do a video for tips on pacifier weaning for infants please? My 6 month old doesn’t understand the concept of alternative soothers!

[andaprojuma]

Thank you, Emma! This is the topic that is very important to me right now. My baby is 14 month old and is not sleeping very well. Until I watched your video, I didn't think that paci could be the problem. But now I start to think that maybe it is, and I should try to wean him off.
I keep comparing him to his older sister, for her paci was very helpful for sleep. But ofcourse every child is different.
I keep thinking, that weaning off will make nights even harder, so I am not really sure how and when to do it, but maybe it will be the opposite.

[stephaniem]

Pro tip: redirect them away from the pacifier with something else to avoid a meltdown. Easiest in 6-12 month stage because they are teething and love to explore things with their mouths!

[Kamila.Khakrizi]

Haha, we lost both of our pacifiers when we moved to a current home — exactly at 6 months of age. They were very helpful before and during all the travel, so I was worried if my daughter (and me 😅) will struggle. But I was happy to find out that she was totally okay to sleep & get calm without them!

Btw, our 5yo neighbor’s daughter has severe teeth distortion — she still sucks on her FINGER. Lovely girl, says “I’ll fix my teeth later in life” 😂

[MangoTangoShiba]

Thank you for this Emma! This popped into my feed just at the perfect time! My little guy turned 7 months not too long ago and I wondered when would be a good time to wean him off. Luckily he is not overly dependent on it asides from maybe bedtime. But he usually spits it out anyways within a few minutes of sleeping.

I like the added bit too on trying to comfort them in different ways. ❤ I hope to be more mindful on listening to his needs.

[KiritinN]

Hey Emma, would you please be able to do a video on weaning off thumb sucking?

My daughter does it to soothe and fall asleep. It's been really helpful, but she's almost 2 now and I'm worried she'll have the issues you're describing in this video if she continues.