What is recommended regarding pacifiers for 0-12 month children?

What is recommended regarding pacifiers for 0-12 month children?

• A. Sweetened pacifiers allowed
• B. NO sweetened pacifiers
• C. No pacifiers at all
• D. Use only during daytime

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to limit sugar exposure during a critical period of tooth development. Sweetened pacifiers provide fermentable sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of early childhood caries as teeth are forming and erupting in the 0–12 month window. Therefore, using pacifiers that are not sweetened is recommended. Plain, clean pacifiers are acceptable, but avoid dipping them in sugar or giving sugary liquids through the pacifier. If soothing is needed, use plain pacifiers and try to minimize their use as the child approaches the end of the first year to reduce caries risk.

The main idea is to limit sugar exposure during a critical period of tooth development. Sweetened pacifiers provide fermentable sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of early childhood caries as teeth are forming and erupting in the 0–12 month window. Therefore, using pacifiers that are not sweetened is recommended. Plain, clean pacifiers are acceptable, but avoid dipping them in sugar or giving sugary liquids through the pacifier. If soothing is needed, use plain pacifiers and try to minimize their use as the child approaches the end of the first year to reduce caries risk.