Can Pacifiers and Feeding Bottles Ruin Your Baby’s Teeth?

Sucking often gives a child comfort even after the child stops from breast or bottle feeding. Many children find comfort by sucking on their hands, fingers or pacifiers. Parents often question if these sucking habits can create a problem for their child’s oral health.
During the child’s first few years, his mouth will not be damaged yet by his sucking habits. However, long-term sucking can cause oral problems such as:

 The upper front teeth starts to slant out
 The bottom front teeth starts to tilt in
 The upper and lower jaws tend to be misaligned
 The roof of the mouth becomes narrower from side to side

Here are a few things to consider if your child uses a pacifier:

 Purchase a one piece pacifier. There shouldn’t be any parts that can be easily broken, and can be easily swallowed by the child.
 Never calm your baby by dipping the pacifier in honey for this may increase their risk of tooth decay.
 Don’t tie up a pacifier on a string or necklace around your child’s neck as it may cause an accident.
 As your child gets older, encourage them to give up the pacifier.

Sucking using a bottle or pacifier may increase the child’s risk of developing tooth decay. When they get in contact with sugar through food intake and carbohydrates then enters the mouth, they give food for cavity-causing bacteria. The more they eat snacks, the more food these bacteria get. This is what causes cavities for children at a very early age. This condition is called childhood carries. It spreads rapidly causing pain and can lead to an abscess and putting the child in a higher risk of having cavities all throughout their life. Tooth decay is a serious problem for young children causing interference with child’s sleeping, playing and eating. Parents should bring their child to the dentist as soon as signs of tooth decay are seen. This condition advances quickly and can cause a much more severe dental problem for your child.


By keeping your child’s mouth healthy, he can keep away from tooth decay. Eating nutritious food, regular brushing and frequent dental visits may be of great help.


Dr. Flood Dental and Wellness Center is committed to provide the best possible dental services for you and your whole family. Your family’s oral health is our priority. Visit one the best dentist in Grand Rapids, Dr. Kevin Flood.