View Your Wish List

Search

View Your Wish List

Menu

Teething & Soothing

Do Pacifiers Help with Teething?

Article By
Anna
Published On
10 Oct, 2024
Read Time
4 minutes

Teething is a natural part of a baby's development, but it can be a challenging time for both a parent and their baby. As your baby's tiny teeth begin to emerge, they may experience discomfort, fussiness, and excessive drooling.  

Many parents wonder if using a pacifier, also known as a dummy or soother, can help alleviate their baby's teething pain. 

Got questions about pacifiers and teething? This blog is for you. We'll help you understand how they work together and offer tips to help you and your baby with any teething troubles.  

The symptoms of teething 

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. While every baby experiences it differently, common teething symptoms include fussiness, drooling, swollen gums, and chewing on everything and anything.  

Teething timeline 

Teething typically starts around 6 months of age, but it can vary from baby to baby. Some babies may start teething earlier or later than others. The first teeth to usually appear are the two central incisors on the bottom, followed by the upper central incisors. 

Are pacifiers good for teething?  

Yes, pacifiers can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething, as well as being a general source of comfort for babies.  

The sucking motion can help to soothe sore gums, and the pressure can help stimulate the eruption of a baby's first teeth. However, it's important to use them in moderation and to talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns. 

Pacifier safety tips for parents

  1. Never force your baby to take a pacifier.
  2. Choose BPA-free pacifiers designed for your child's age.
  3. Don't attach a neck cord to your baby's pacifier.
  4. Never dip your baby's pacifier in food or drink, this can lead to tooth decay.
  5. Check your baby's soothers regularly for cracks, splits, and holes, and replace their pacifiers every month or immediately at the first signs of any damage or weakness.
  6. Clean and sterilize their pacifiers regularly.
  7. Prolonged pacifier use after the age of 24 months may interfere with dental development. We recommend stopping pacifier use entirely when your child is older than 36 months.

Explore the Range

Pacifiers

Choosing the right pacifier for a teething baby 

You should consider the following factors when choosing a pacifier for your teething baby:  

  • Material: Choose BPA-free pacifiers made from soft silicone that won’t irritate your baby’s gum.  
  • Shape: A symmetrical shape that’s always the right way up can be easier for babies to hold and manipulate and also helps to prevent misalignment of the teeth and jaw. 
  • Size: Choose a pacifier that is age-appropriate to ensure a proper fit and prevent choking. 
  • One-piece design: Pacifiers with fewer parts to disassemble and clean reduce the risk of bacteria buildup. With fewer pieces, the pacifier is also less likely to come apart or break, meaning fewer small parts that could potentially pose a choking hazard. 
  • Pacifier clip-friendly: A pacifier clip can help keep your baby’s soother clean and stop it getting lost. 

Alternatives to pacifiers for teething relief 

Not all babies will accept a pacifier, so don't force it. If your baby isn't interested in a pacifier or you prefer to avoid using one, there are other ways to soothe a teething baby. 

  • Cool, textured silicone teething rings: These can provide temporary relief by numbing the gums. 
  • Gum massaging: Gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger can help reduce pain and inflammation. 
  • Cool foods: Give your baby cool foods (such as yogurt or applesauce) to soothe their sore gums. 
  • Distraction: Try activities that can distract your baby from their teething discomfort, such as playing games or reading stories.  
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Speak to your pediatrician if your baby is experiencing significant pain or discomfort due to teething. They can provide additional advice and may recommend a child-appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever.  

Can pacifiers damage a baby’s teeth?

Prolonged pacifier use after the age of 24 months may interfere with dental development. We recommend stopping pacifier use entirely when your child is older than 36 months. 

While they can be helpful in soothing and settling babies and are safe when used in moderation, extended pacifier use can lead to dental issues such as: 

  • Misaligned bite: Pacifiers can push the upper front teeth forward and the lower front teeth back, affecting the alignment of the teeth. 
  • Open bite: Constant sucking on a soother can prevent the upper and lower teeth from properly meeting. 
  • Pacifier teeth: The pressure from the soother can cause the upper front teeth to tilt outward, creating a distinctive "pacifier teeth" appearance. 

The effects of pacifier use can vary depending on individual factors. If you're worried about your child's dental health, it's best to consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. They can provide personalized advice and guidance. 

Teething rings can provide comfort, but it's important to choose age-appropriate options and supervise your child while they are using them. 

Gradually reducing the frequency of pacifier use, offering alternative comfort objects, and providing positive reinforcement can help with paci weaning. Read our comprehensive guide on how to wean a baby off their pacifier to learn more.  

Related Articles

Teething & Soothing4m

When to Start Pacifier Weaning

As they grow, there will understandably come a time when you'll want to transition your mini-me away from them their pacifier before they become too reliant on the reassurance it gives.

Teething & Soothing2m

How to Soothe Teething Pain

We've got some handy tips to help you both through the tricky times that teething can bring.

Teething & Soothing3m

Teething Rash: A Super Simple Guide

Drool rash, or teething rash, affects many babies with a few causes. Check out our teething rash guide to find out about this condition and how to soothe it.

Sources