Will a silicone pacifier result in an open bite in my toddler?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a mother, and my toddler had developed an open bite. After some research, I discovered her pacifier was the reason for the open bite. So I need to know what materials will not pressure my toddler's teeth. I am currently thinking of silicone, so I need to confirm it. For example, if I was to make my pacifier out of silicone but indents to out her teeth, would it affect my baby's teeth? Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Well, I would like to know your daughter's age and how many months or years she has been using pacifiers? The pacifiers do negatively affect the jaws and dentition of the child, but that is reversible up to certain age. If she is within 3 years, it is still not an issue using pacifiers, but you may try to wean her off it by 4 years of age at the maximum. In primary teeth or milk teeth, the development of spaces and open bite or deep bite is quite normal as the lower jaw develops later than the upper and has enough potential to match up to the upper jaw. Therefore, there are higher chances that she would be having a behind-placed lower jaw rather than an open bite. However, both conditions can exist simultaneously. Any material put into a child's mouth will exert pressure on the teeth. Therefore, I suggest you need to wean her off them. However, if she is still within 2 years of age, do not worry. Gradually teach her not to use them. Kindly revert in case of further queries. Thank you.