The Power of the Pacifier. . .

I’m regularly questioned by concerned parents about pacifier use.  Some of them approach me with a shamed expression, clearly embarrassed about the situation they are in.  As a dentist, I understand these parents’ concern.   Others openly profess their love for their child’s fixation and assign pet names , such as “bubba,” “ginky,” “jar jar” or “pluggerdoodle,” to the one item they claim protects their sanity.  As a father, I understand this affection.  I often respond to both types of parents with the sentiment  “there is a time for everything . . . even the binky.  But, once that time has passed, move on. ”

I completely support the use of a pacifier by infants.   The action of rhythmic sucking optimizes an infant’s breathing and heart rate.  This explains why pacifiers are recommended to help prevent SIDS.  The use of a pacifier soothes a newborn.  In hospital nurseries, infants cry significantly less if they are given a pacifier between feedings.  Muscular movements of the digestive tract work most efficiently when a baby is sucking.  Sucking on a pacifier helps to re-regulate intestinal rhythms in babies with colic or digestive difficulties. 

 There is a point, though, when too much of a good thing spells trouble.  Children who have continued a sucking habit beyond infancy are regularly affected with crooked teeth, misaligned jaws and even speech impediments.   Problems with prolonged sucking can appear beyond the mouth, too.  One study has shown that children who did not use a pacifier had nearly one third less occurrence of ear infections.  Prolonged sucking habits can also affect a child’s interaction with others.  Children with a pacifier in their mouths can’t talk and for children who are shy, the pacifier creates an excuse to avoid expressing themselves.  This can stunt a child’s emotional and social growth.

So when is the right time to give up the binky?  Not during infancy.  There are both physical and psychological reasons to encourage the use of a pacifier through and beyond a baby’s first year.  Once a child has reached preschool age, however, there is no benefit to sucking.  Parents of children this age who haven’t given up the habit already should take measures to stop the habit before Kindergarten, especially if there are protruding, crooked teeth or their child’s lips are flaring and are difficult to close.  Another sign of an excessive habit is the continuation of sucking vigorously throughout the night.  If a sucking habit continues into a child’s school years, it is unlikely that the effects can be fixed without the help of an orthodontist.

There are steps that a parent can take at all stages of their child’s development.  Introducing the pacifier in the right way, early in life, sets up a child for successful weaning later in life.  Parents of infants should not offer a pacifier unless their baby is fussing.  When a child is fussing, they should first spend a moment to evaluate if something other than a pacifier might solve the problem.   To discover the underlying difficulty and then address it teaches even the youngest infant to deal with distress by problem-solving instead of mouth-filling.  Once a child has reached the status of toddler, a parent can introduce limits to the availability of a pacifier.  Offering a pacifier only at naptimes and at bedtime is one way to start the weaning process.  If a toddler seeks out his pacifier at other times, a parent can present distractions to help him engage in other, healthy activities.  As a toddler matures and starts to hone his reasoning and negotiating skills his parent can reinforce his lack of pacifier use with praise and rewards.   A parent can also foster an excitement about the process by introducing ceremonies to usher the child to a more mature and “grown up” phase of life.

Resolve now to determine what you, as a parent, should do to help your child move away from the use of a pacifier.  In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, our office will be inviting the Pacifier Fairy to help encourage children at whatever stage they are in.  Children who visit KiDDS Dental during the event can meet the fairy, hear her read stories about other children who have stopped a sucking habit, and leave their pacifier on the Binky Tree in exchange for a gift.  Even if a child isn’t ready to let go of his binky, it is an opportunity for parents to introduce the idea of weaning and to expose the child to others who have succeeded.   It’s a positive experience where we emphasize the excitement of growing up.   

Call 509-891-7070 for more information or to sign up for the event.

This article was published in the January issue of Northwest Kids Magazine.

You Say You Want a Resolution?

Happy New Year!  How are your resolutions coming along?  If you are like most people, this list probably includes: go to the gym, lose weight, take tango lessons, call your mother more often, etc. . . But, let's face it -- EVERYONE has those resolutions, and they are all usually broken by the end of January.

So, let's shake it up a little this year and try ten "Dental Resolutions."  Get the whole family involved!  These resolutions are not only easy to keep, but can lead to a lifetime of excellent health.  Here they are!

1. CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH.  Most people hang on to their toothbrushes as if they have sentimental value.  The fact is, you should replace your brush every two  months or so.  If the bristles don't look almost brand new, chances are your teeth aren't being cleaned well and your toothbrush is harboring lots of yucky bacteria.
2. FLOSS EVERY DAY.  Flossing every day helps to prevent gum disease.  Not only can you keep your teeth for a lifetime, your chances of heart disease and other illnesses which are linked to unhealthy gums will significantly decrease.  If you have trouble flossing or are not sure how to do it, don't be embarrassed!  Our fantastic team will be glad to show you how.
3. WEAR YOUR SEATBELT.  We all know that seatbelts save lives, but even in a minor accident teeth can be shattered or damaged if your body is flung forward.  So buckle up and save your smile!
4. USE A MOUTHGUARD.  Dental damage from sports is extremely common and just about always preventable.  There's a reason everyone in the NFL wears a mouthguard, and it's not to scare their opponents.  Give us a call and we will fit you, your kids and their entire team with custom mouthguards.
5. GET RID OF SODAS AND SPORTS DRINKS.  We all need to hydrate, but we don't need excess sugar and artificial chemicals. These drinks are bad for your body and pull an all out assult on your pearly-whites.  Switching to water will not only be a big boost to your overall health, it will save you money as well!
6. TEETH ARE FOR CHEWING, BITING, AND SMILING.  Please don't use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or anything else. 
7. SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYE TEETH.  As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses aren't enough reason to stop smoking, please be aware that this nasty habit stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo.  Not only does it effect you, but it hurts your loved ones who have to endure the second hand smoke.  There are so many reasons to quit smoking so please make this the year.
8. BUT THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!  The battle cry of mothers all over the world is true for your oral health as well.  Yes, eating your veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts not only increases your overall health, it boosts your immunity which is great for your teeth and gums.  Added benefit:  crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.
9. WHITEN YOUR SMILE.  There is no question that a nice smile increases your confidence and makes you more attractive to others.  There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to make your smile the best that it can be.  Give us a call or stop on in and we will be glad to show you how.
10. DON'T PUT OFF YOUR DENTAL VISITS.  We know that visiting the dentist may not be at the top of your "things to do" list for the New Year, but by visiting on a regular basis you can prevent huge (and expensive) dental problems from ever occurring.  It's a small investment with a big payoff -- a better smile, increased overall health, beautiful teeth and gums for life, fresh clean breath, and so much more.  Did you know that our hygienist sees adult patients?  Send her an e-mail at BeckyN@GrowUpSmiling.com today and get 2012 off to a great start!