Pacifiers

Een: I started giving my son a pacifier when he was about 4 months old. I started using it bcoz he used to cry a lot and it soothes him. Now he is 9 months old and i have minimised the use of pacifier now for only times when he is very very fussy. I have heard people say that use of pacifiers can delay tooth development and can deform the gums and lips. Is this true? Is it ok for me to continue the use of a pacifier? If so when is the best time to stop using it?

Hi Een. There is concern that pacifiers may contribute to those problems. It is perhaps more to do with misdirected teeth in that respect. Statistically there is an association with increased infections too. It is very habit forming and my suggestion would be to try to gently get him to let go of the pacifier. It may not be easy.