02 Feb 😬Is Your child still using a pacifier even though they are over 2 years old 😱Do you get stressed whenever you think you’ve lost your child’s pacifier?

Pacifiers can be beneficial for babies in several ways, especially during the first few months of life. Sucking is a natural reflex for infants, and so sucking on a pacifier can help soothe and comfort them when they are fussy, tired, or trying to fall asleep.

However, using a pacifier beyond the age of 2 can lead to several potential issues for a child, both in terms of dental health and overall development. 😬Here are some reasons why it’s generally advised to wean children off pacifiers by 2 years old:

🥺1. Prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental issues such as misaligned teeth and changes in the roof of the mouth. This can result in a need for orthodontic treatment later in life. Prolonged use can lead to problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth, leading to bite problems like an open bite, crossbite, or overbite.

🥺2. Overuse of a pacifier can interfere with speech development. It may lead to less vocalization from a child and can potentially cause speech and language delays, as the pacifier can limit the opportunity for babbling and practicing speech sounds.

🥺3. Some studies suggest a link between prolonged pacifier use and an increased risk of ear infections (otitis media). Having frequent ear infections can impact hearing in the long term and in turn affect a child’s speech and language development.

🥺4. Older children may become emotionally or psychologically dependent on a pacifier for comfort or security, which can make it more challenging to wean them off it later and impact their social development and interactions.

🥺5. Pacifiers can harbour bacteria, which can increase the risk of cavities if oral hygiene is not adequately maintained.

If you have noticed that your child is delayed in their development, reach out to My Favourite Physio on📱 (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists🤓 today!

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