Can a pacifier be orthodontic-approved?

As the joyful journey of parenthood begins, the many decisions awaiting new parents can be overwhelming. Among these many decisions, one that can leave parents in a state of bewilderment is choosing the right pacifier for their baby. Many brands label their pacifiers “orthodontic-approved” but what does this actually mean? We have asked dentist Anne Mette Stougaard to explain the term.

What does ‘orthodontic’ mean?

Anne Mette Stougaard explains that the word “orthodontic” is made up of two words: “orthos” meaning “straight or correct,” and “dontics” meaning “teeth”. Concerning pacifiers, the word ‘orthodontic’ refers to the thickness of the neck of the nipple. The thickness of where the nipple is attached to the shield and where the child’s teeth touch the nipple.

Can a pacifier be orthodontic-approved by dentists?

Some pacifiers are marketed as being more “dental-friendly” or "orthodontic-approved”, but despite claims, there aren’t any studies showing that orthodontic pacifiers decrease the risk of dental malocclusion (that the teeth are not aligned properly) compared to conventional pacifiers (1-3).

Anne Mette Stougaard explains: “If this means that a dentist has approved that a pacifier does not affect the teeth, then no pacifier should be marketed as such.”

 

About Anne Mette:

Anne Mette graduated as a dentist in 2012 from the Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Anne Mette has treated children and adults as a dentist at various public and private pediatric and adult dental clinics. Furthermore, she has been a clinical teacher of dental students at the Copenhagen Dental School.

Since 2017 Anne Mette has worked with different health tech startups focusing on online and video consultations and, at present, as an independent dental consultant and speaker, primarily working on strengthening prevention, promoting dental hygiene, and spreading awareness about oral health. She’s also a mom of two little girls who used pacifiers.


Sources:

  1. Corrêa CC, Sallas Bueno MR, Pereira Lauris JB, et al. Interference of conventional and orthodontic nipples in system stomatognathic: Systematic review 2016. Codas 2016;28(2):182-9
  1. Medeiros R, Ximenes M, Massgnam C, et al. Malocclusion prevention through the usage of an orthodontic pacifier compared to a conventional pacifier: A systematic review. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2018;19(5):287-95
  1. 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; 14: 13–18.
Tags: Pacifiers
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