Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City
516-222-5100
The death rate from SIDS -sudden infant death syndrome, often while sleeping- has fallen sharply in recent years, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The drop is directly linked to the increased awareness of the risks of babies sleeping on their stomachs or amid fluffy bedding or stuffed toys. SIDS remains the leading cause of death in US infants between ages 1 month and 1 year, killing more than 2,000US babies each year (MSNBC.com).
The only recommended sleep position for infants is on their backs. Allowing babies to sleep on their sides is considered too risky because infants could roll over to their stomachs. Sucking pacifiers has been suggested to help keep vulnerable infants from slumbering too deeply to rouse themselves if they roll over. Dr. Steven Shedlon, director of the sleep medicine center at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital, said pacifiers also enhance babies’ swallowing and are an age appropriate habit. Pacifier use in older children may increase risks for teeth misalignment, but using them in infancy is not a problem (MSNBC.com).
It’s important to note that the AAP’s pacifier recommendations are not unique. A variety of studies have indicated that pacifier use lowers the risk of SIDS (Science Daily).
Dr. Reynolds says pacifier sucking is completely normal for babies and young children. It provides security and safety. For young babies, it’s a way to make contact with and learn about the world. Most children stop sucking on their thumbs or pacifiers on their own between the ages of 2 and 4, leaving no harm to their teeth or jaws.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Reynolds at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City for your infant to ensure optimum oral health right from the start! She will carefully watch the way your child’s teeth come in and jaws develop, keeping the sucking habit in mind at all times.
For more information, visit PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com.
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