Pacifiers tend to create problems among parents. Choosing when to use them is critical to the child's growth. Some say thumb sucking is better than the use of pacifiers. We will discuss the use of orthodontic pacifiers and if they are safe.
Pacifiers and Thumb sucking
The baby's preference on which one to use between the two is extremely hard to control. Some prefer pacifiers, while others are more comfortable with thumb sucking. Children who use pacifiers have a higher risk of developing ear complications than those who suck thumbs. Thumb sucking is a hard habit to get rid of during weaning. Parents whose children suck their thumb have a more challenging time than those who use pacifiers. Moreover, children who suck their thumbs have an easier time breastfeeding but are more prone to dental diseases if they suck their thumbs above the age of four.
Pacifiers
Parents face tough choices on which type of pacifiers to use. The pacifiers come in different types. They are made of soft plastic, silicone, and latex. The silicon-based pacifiers are mostly recommended because of their smooth surface that isn't hospital to germs. Pacifiers can be in two categories: orthodontic pacifiers and non-orthodontic pacifiers. Non- Orthodontic pacifiers are round and sit on the infant's mouth, while Orthodontic pacifiers are square-shaped and flat.
Advantages of Orthodontic Pacifiers
Orthodontic pacifiers are designed in such a way that they resemble the mother's nipple. It helps accommodate the tongue of the infant while nursing. Orthodontic pacifiers have the advantage of being less likely for the child to suffer malocclusions. The design of the non-orthodontic pacifiers has the excessive use of buccinator muscle which is not the case for orthodontic pacifiers. Using orthodontic pacifiers makes it less likely for the child to develop thumb-sucking habits. Most children tend to like the pacifiers, which parents find risky. Orthodontic pacifiers provide comfort to the child and help them sleep.
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Pacifiers tend to create problems among parents. Choosing when to use them is critical to the child's growth. Some say thumb sucking is better than the use of pacifiers. We will discuss the use of orthodontic pacifiers and if they are safe.