Why Pediatric Dentists Recommend Stopping Pacifier Use by 18 Months
As a pediatric dentist and a parent, I completely understand the role a pacifier can play in soothing a fussy baby. Pacifiers can offer comfort, reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the first year, and provide parents with a much-needed break. However, as your child grows, that comforting habit can begin to create unintended consequences—especially when it comes to their dental development.
At Destination Pediatric Dentistry in Round Rock, TX, we advise parents to help their children stop using pacifiers by 18 months of age. Let’s explore the dental reasons behind this recommendation, what can happen if pacifier use continues beyond that point, and how parents can support their little ones through the transition.
The Connection Between Pacifier Use and Dental Development
Pacifiers may seem harmless, but prolonged use—especially past 18 months—can impact how a child’s teeth and jaws develop. While the suction reflex is natural and normal for infants, it can start to interfere with oral structures as teeth erupt and the jaw continues to grow.
Here are some of the most common dental issues associated with extended pacifier use:
- Open Bite: Occurs when the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This can interfere with speech and chewing.
- Crossbite and Misaligned Teeth: The upper jaw can become narrow, leading to misalignment that often requires orthodontic correction when kids are in the early to middle mixed dentition (age 6-9).
- Changes in Jaw and Facial Growth: Prolonged pacifier use can alter the shape of the palate and jaw during key growth periods.
- Speech Development Delays: Constant pacifier use can affect tongue movement and limit the development of proper speech sounds.
Why 18 Months Is a Critical Cutoff
Why specifically 18 months? Research and clinical experience show that stopping pacifier use by this age significantly reduces the likelihood of long-term dental complications. Before 18 months, changes to oral structure are often reversible. After that, they may become permanent without orthodontic intervention.
By stopping early, you give your child the best chance for proper oral and facial development—without the need for corrective measures down the line.
Dental Visits and Monitoring Development
At Destination Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that your child visit us by age one or within six months of their first tooth. These early visits are a great opportunity to evaluate dental habits—including pacifier use—and check for signs of developing bite problems or jaw misalignment.
If you’re already noticing changes in your child’s bite or tooth alignment, we can help assess and guide the next steps with gentle, child-centered care.
How To Curb Pacifier Use
Stopping pacifier use can be a terrifying concept for some parents, especially as you establish a healthy sleeping routine that requires your infant/toddler to self-soothe through the use of their pacifier. Most parents find that (as long as you stand firm in your decision and allow your child to work through their initial frustration) all it takes is a few wakeups without the pacifier for the child to transition away from it. The BIGGEST factor in being successful is the parent’s decision and willingness to stand firm. Here are a few ideas that can help in that transition:
- Cold turkey- Removing all pacifiers in the house and comfort your child when they are wanting it.
- Poke holes- poking holes in the nipple doesn’t allow for the child to properly latch with suckling action. Sometimes after attempting to use the “broken pacifiers” the soothing feeling is removed and children will stop looking to them for comfort
- Step down system- Baby Frida offers a step down system that slowly transitions the size of the nipple from normal to non-existent to ween the children off of it.
The Bottom Line
Pacifiers have a purpose in infancy, but once your child nears 18 months, it’s time to start phasing them out. Making this change can prevent issues like open bites, speech delays, and orthodontic complications—setting your child up for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles.
If you’re unsure how to begin the weaning process or have concerns about your child’s dental development, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today
Our experienced and friendly team is ready to support your child’s dental journey—from their first visit through every exciting milestone.
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