Pacifiers can be a lifesaver during fussy moments, naps, or long car rides. But like many parenting tools, they come with a few caveats. At Storybook Smiles Children’s Dentistry in Tyler, TX, Dr. Dylan Patrick often answers questions from parents wondering when and how pacifier use starts to impact a child’s teeth.
How Long is Too Long?
For the first year, pacifiers can play a helpful role in soothing and sleep routines. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends limiting pacifier use around 12 to 18 months and phasing it out entirely by age two or three. That’s because long-term use—especially beyond toddlerhood or all day and night—can interfere with the way the teeth and jaws develop.
Understanding Bite Problems From Pacifier Use
When the mouth grows around a pacifier for too long, it can lead to specific dental issues:
Open bite: occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch, even when the mouth is fully closed.
Crossbite: is when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, usually on one or both sides of the mouth.
These changes in alignment can make chewing less efficient and may also affect speech patterns down the road. In some cases, they self-correct once the habit stops. In others, early orthodontic treatment may be recommended.
Helping Your Child Let Go
Weaning off a pacifier doesn’t have to be a dramatic event. Begin by limiting use to certain times of day, like bedtime. Gradually reduce access until it’s no longer part of the routine. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can take its place. Celebrate small steps—consistency pays off more than perfection.
Don’t Forget Hygiene
As long as your child is using a pacifier, keep it clean. Rinse it regularly and sterilize often, especially after it’s been dropped. Replace worn or sticky pacifiers promptly. Clean pacifiers reduce the risk of introducing bacteria and help keep little mouths healthy.
Checkups Catch Issues Early
Pacifier-related bite issues can sometimes develop gradually, so they’re easy to miss at home. Routine dental checkups allow Dr. Dylan Patrick to monitor how your child’s teeth are coming in and whether any patterns of alignment are starting to shift. He can spot early signs of an open bite, crossbite, or delayed tooth eruption. If there’s cause for concern, he’ll walk you through options—whether that’s just continued monitoring or planning for future orthodontic support. The earlier these issues are caught, the easier they usually are to manage.
Support For Healthy Habits at Storybook Smiles in Tyler, TX
If you’re unsure when to phase out the pacifier—or think it might be affecting your child’s teeth—Storybook Smiles can help. Dr. Dylan Patrick and the team in Tyler, TX, are committed to guiding families through every stage of a growing smile. Call today to schedule a visit and get personalized guidance on quitting the binky and protecting your child’s developing smile.
