You’ve finally soothed your baby with a dummy, when someone leans in with a raised eyebrow and asks, “Aren’t those bad for their teeth?” Dummy use is one of those topics that seems to invite a lot of unsolicited opinions.
But it’s not that simple.
Dummies (or pacifiers) have been around for generations. They’re a go-to for helping newborns settle between feeds and giving exhausted parents some peace. But there are genuine concerns, especially when dummy is prolonged or interferes with your child’s oral development.
So, what’s true, what’s exaggerated, and what does the science say?
Why Do Babies Love Dummies So Much?
Because it’s hardwired into them.
Sucking is one of the earliest and most important reflexes babies develop, and it starts before they even take their first breath. Ultrasounds have shown babies sucking their thumbs as early as 12 weeks of gestation. Sucking also helps newborns feed effectively and self-soothe once they are born.
There are two types of sucking:
- Nutritive sucking: when your baby sucks for milk during feeding.
- Non-nutritive sucking: when your baby sucks for comfort, even when they’re not hungry.
Pacifiers fall into the second category. And while non-nutritive sucking might not provide food, it does offer regulation and a sense of safety.
Dummies and Sleep
Dummy use has been shown to help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, especially when they’re very small. The rhythmic sucking motion has a calming effect that helps regulate a baby’s nervous system. This is why dummy use is often recommended during sleep.
Dummies and SIDS
One of the more amazing findings is the link between pacifier use and a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Multiple large-scale studies and guidelines support the use of dummies during naps and bedtime in the first year of life, because:
- Pacifier use lowers the risk of SIDS by up to 90% (according to some studies).
- The protective effect occurs even if the dummy falls out after the baby falls asleep.
- It’s thought that dummies help by keeping the airway open, encouraging lighter sleep, and preventing babies from slipping into too-deep sleep cycles.
That said, this benefit is most relevant between 2 weeks and 6 months of age, the peak risk period for SIDS.
Dummies for Emotional Regulation
As babies grow, dummies can also help them with overwhelming situations. They offer a portable form of emotional regulation, especially for younger babies who haven’t yet developed other ways of self-soothing. The key is balance and timing. Dummies are incredibly useful when used intentionally, but over-reliance can negatively impact dental development, speech, and self-soothing skills.
The Dental Impact: When Dummy Use Starts to Affect Teeth
Dummy use is not inherently harmful, but it can cause problems when used for too long or in combination with thumb sucking.
In the first year of life, the risks are minimal. Dummy use is considered safe and even helpful. But as your child’s teeth begin to erupt and their jaw and facial bones continue to grow, extended sucking can start to shape the mouth and bite in detrimental ways.
What Can Go Wrong?
Here are some of the most common dental issues associated with prolonged dummy use:
Open Bite
This occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed. Instead of touching, the teeth leave a visible gap.
The problem: It can affect biting, chewing, and speech development.
Posterior Crossbite
This occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when your child bites down, often a result of a narrowed upper jaw due to the constant upward pressure of the dummy.
The problem: It can lead to jaw misalignment and may require orthodontic intervention if not corrected early.
High, Narrow Roof of the Mouth
Prolonged dummy use can cause the palate to form into a high, arched shape, which restricts space for teeth and can contribute to nasal breathing issues.
The problem: It can influence facial development and impact the alignment of the upper teeth.
Speech Delays or Lisping
Chronic dummy use can interfere with the development of tongue movement and oral motor skills necessary for clear speech.
The problem: Early language development relies on consistent, unrestricted movement of the mouth and tongue.
Curious how dummy use and dental development could be affecting your child’s breathing or sleep?
👉 Read our blog post: Can Your Child’s Teeth Affect How They Sleep and Breathe? Let’s Talk About the Connection
When Does Dummy Use Become a Concern?
According to the South African Dental Association (SADA), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD):
- Dummy use before 12 months of age is generally not associated with long-term dental issues.
- Risks increase after age 2, especially when the dummy is used frequently during the day and night.
- By age 3, most dental and speech professionals recommend complete weaning to avoid lasting changes to the teeth and jaw.
A 2024 study found that non-nutritive sucking persisting beyond 36 months was significantly associated with tooth misalignment.
Quick Note on Thumb Sucking vs Dummies
You might wonder which is worse. Surprisingly, thumb sucking can often be more damaging because:
- It usually lasts longer (well into primary school years for some children).
- The pressure from a thumb is often stronger and more consistent.
- Unlike dummies, you can’t take a thumb away.
That’s why, in cases when non-nutritive sucking is unavoidable, a dummy is usually a better option, if used intentionally and phased out by the toddler years.
When to Wean the Dummy
International dental associations all recommend weaning by 12 months to reduce the risk of dental issues.
Sometimes toddlers continue to use dummies beyond that, but the evidence shows that the likelihood of developing dental problems increases majorly after the age of 2, especially when used regularly during the day, and not just at night.
If dummy use continues beyond the age of 3, the chances of permanent changes to the mouth are much higher.
So, When is the Ideal Time to Wean?
- Start once feeding is settled.
- Phase out gently between 6 and 12 months old.
- Stop completely no later than age 2, with 3 as an absolute upper limit to protect your child’s oral development.
Dummy Myths
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions that often worry parents.
“It’s better than thumb sucking.”
Yes!
Both are forms of non-nutritive sucking, but dummies are the safer option, because you can control when and how your child uses it. Fingers, on the other hand, are always available and much harder to wean.
“Using an orthodontic dummy reduces the risks.”
Not quite.
Orthodontic dummies are designed with a flatter shape to reduce pressure on the developing palate and teeth. They are better than traditional dummies, but they don’t eliminate the risk entirely, especially with prolonged use. International dental associations all warn that the duration and intensity of use are more important than the type of dummy.
“A dummy helps my baby sleep, won’t we suffer without it?”
Maybe.
We know that dummies are amazing for sleep. And yes, your little one might protest when it’s time to let go. But most parents find that toddlers usually adapt within 3 to 5 nights if weaning is consistent. The short-term adjustment is worth it to prevent long-term dental issues.
Healthy Dummy Use: How to Get It Right from the Start
Using a dummy doesn’t always mean dental problems. As long as it’s used well, you can enjoy the benefits in infancy while protecting your child’s developing teeth, bite, and speech. Here’s how to make it healthy.
Smart Dummy Habits
- Limit dummy use to sleep and soothing only.
- Never dip dummies in sugar, juice, or honey. This is a major cause of baby bottle tooth decay (see our blog post).
- Keep dummies clean and replace them regularly.
- Begin weaning by 12 months.
Tips for Weaning
Here are some ideas for dummy weaning:
- Go cold turkey
For some children, stopping suddenly is the easiest option. Expect a few rough nights, but most toddlers adjust quickly. - Snip the tip
Trimming the end of the dummy reduces suction, making it less satisfying to use. Many toddlers lose interest naturally within a few days. - Make it magical
The “Dummy Fairy” story works well. Make it a special milestone, such as giving a dummy to a baby in need, and reward your child with praise or a small gift. - Swap it for a comfort item
Offer a soft blanket or cuddly toy as a replacement. This helps ease the transition. - Stay consistent
Once you decide to stop, stick with it. Reintroducing the dummy can confuse your child and make the process harder next time.
When to Book a Dental Check
If your child is:
- Still using a dummy after age 2
- Showing changes in their bite or how their teeth line up
- Experiencing speech delays, open-mouth posture, or frequent mouth breathing
…it’s time to see a dentist.
Early dental visits help us catch minor issues before they become big ones. The sooner we assess, the better.
At The Gentle Dentist, we’re here to guide you through every step, from healthy use to gentle dummy weaning. If you’re unsure or need support, we’re just a visit away.
What This Means for You and Your Baby
Dummies are a helpful tool when they’re used intentionally. But timing is everything. With a plan to phase it out before it starts affecting your child’s bite, you can use the calming benefits without risking your child’s oral health.
If you’re unsure about when or how to wean, or if you’ve started noticing changes in your child’s teeth or speech, it’s always worth getting expert input early.
Worried about your child’s dummy habit?
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