If you're a parent, chances are a pacifier has been a lifesaver at some point, helping soothe a fussy baby during a long car ride or saving your sanity in the middle of the night.
While pacifiers offer comfort and even health benefits during infancy, they can also influence your child’s oral development if used for too long. As baby teeth grow in and jaws begin to form, certain habits—like prolonged pacifier use—can start to affect the way a child’s smile takes shape.
Understanding how, when, and why to phase out the binky with the help of a pediatric dentist in Hollywood can help you support healthy dental habits right from the start.
Despite the occasional side-eye from well-meaning relatives, pacifiers serve a real purpose in early childhood. They’re often recommended during infancy for their ability to calm, soothe, and protect your baby.
Used mindfully and for a limited time, pacifiers can be a valuable tool in your parenting toolkit.
As your baby grows, their mouth, jaw, and teeth do too, and that’s when pacifier use can start to matter more. Prolonged or frequent use can affect the development of the mouth and alignment of the teeth.
Some common effects include:
Occasional use, particularly before age two, is unlikely to cause permanent changes. The real concern is long-term and frequent use, especially once baby teeth have come in and permanent teeth are beginning to form beneath the gums.
Timing plays a big role in whether pacifier use becomes a dental issue. While every child is different, most pediatric dentists recommend starting the weaning process around 18–24 months, with a firm goal of stopping by age 3.
Why the urgency? After age 3, the risk of dental changes, like misaligned bites, begins to rise. The earlier the habit ends, the better the chances that any minor shifting of teeth will correct itself naturally.
There's a small window where the mouth is still adaptable. After that, pacifier-related changes may require orthodontic treatment down the line.
Weaning off the pacifier can feel like a high-stakes operation, more so if your child has grown attached to it. But with patience, creativity, and consistency, it doesn’t have to be a battle.
Here are some strategies that work:
If you’re stuck or unsure, talk to your child’s dentist. They’ve seen it all and can offer helpful suggestions based on your child’s age and temperament.
Pacifiers aren’t the only habit worth watching. There are a few other common behaviors that can interfere with healthy oral development if they stick around too long.
Natural and often comforting, thumb-sucking is one of the hardest habits to break because it’s always available. Like pacifiers, it can lead to bite problems, palate changes, or jaw misalignment if it continues past the toddler years.
Most kids outgrow it on their own, but persistent cases may need dental intervention.
Sippy cups are helpful during the transition from bottles, but they’re not meant for long-term use. Constant sipping, especially with juice or milk, exposes baby teeth to sugars that feed decay-causing bacteria.
Encourage open cup use around age one, and limit sweet drinks to mealtimes.
These less-talked-about habits can contribute to enamel wear, bite misalignment, and speech delays. If you notice your child developing one of these behaviors, bring it up at their next dental visit. Early guidance can prevent long-term effects.
Even if your child has weaned off their pacifier or never used one, it’s still helpful to know the red flags that may point to dental or bite issues:
Noticing one of these? No need to panic, but it’s worth a visit to your pediatric dentist to evaluate the next steps.
From pacifiers to first cleanings, TLC Dental is here to support healthy smiles from the very beginning. Our friendly, kid-focused team makes dental visits easy, informative, and even fun. Call today to schedule an appointment for you or your child!
