Orthodontic Pacifier, a Breastfeeding Aid that Resembles a Mother’s Nipple
Breastfeeding directly from the breast can support the growth and development of the baby. However, not all mothers can breastfeed directly. In certain circumstances, mothers may have to use a bottle to provide breast milk. In addition to maternal factors, the baby’s health problems can also require him to be breastfed through a bottle. There are circumstances that make the mother unable to provide breast milk or breastfeeding cannot be done perfectly, so a method of providing milk using a bottle is needed.
The use of a pacifier in this condition can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition, pacifiers can also affect the child’s autonomic and cardiovascular control. By sucking, the baby’s heart rhythm will be maintained. Sucking with a pacifier can also calm and entertain the baby and improve their psychological development. Not only that, pacifiers also affect the baby’s first muscle activity to coordinate. For babies who are still breastfeeding, mothers need to be wise in choosing the right pacifier. One of the recommended pacifiers for breastfeeding babies is an orthodontic pacifier.
This pacifier has a shape resembling a nursing mother’s nipple. In addition, orthodontic pacifiers have been studied to prevent risk factors for malocclusion, a medical condition in which the arrangement of the teeth and jaws is abnormal. Orthodontic pacifiers can also reduce the risk of bad oral habits and prevent children from breathing through the mouth. This pacifier can also improve coordination between breathing, sucking, and swallowing with oral stimulation. This orthodontic pacifier must be able to prevent breathing through the mouth because it is good to breathe through the nose. The side effects of this wrong breathing can also be seen in the baby’s facial area.
The use and benefits of orthodontic pacifiers have been studied by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Padjadjaran University (UNPAD). The results of research from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Padjadjaran University (UNPAD) in 2020 showed that the risks or problems that often arise from the use of pacifiers, both short-term and long-term, can be prevented with orthodontic pacifiers. These pacifiers are developed according to physiological principles that support the rhythmic sucking of infants. This study was conducted on a population group of children aged 3 to 5 years in Bandung City in 2020. The research team conducted examinations, jaw impressions, and analysis of the width of the upper and lower dental contact arches.
In this study, it was found that children who used orthodontic pacifiers had normal jaw shape or contact between the upper and lower teeth. These results were compared with children who received breast milk directly from breastfeeding from their mothers. Researchers compared children who received direct breast milk and the group who received breast milk through orthodontic pacifiers. From the results of the study, we can conclude that the use of this pacifier can be used in children who cannot receive breast milk or do not receive it perfectly.
Orthodontic pacifiers are often called the best pacifiers for babies. Their soft, nipple-like texture is the reason. The decision to give a pacifier often arises because it is considered safer than letting children suck their fingers or other objects. So, pacifiers are often chosen to provide happiness and peace to children for a while.
Getting to know orthodontic dots
Among the various pacifiers available on the market, orthodontic pacifiers are the choice of many mothers to use for their babies. This pacifier is said to be specially designed to help relieve misaligned teeth and orthodontic problems when baby teeth grow. Orthodontic pacifier nipples support the shape of the developing jaw and palate. When the baby suckles, the orthodontic pacifier mimics the shape of the mother’s nipple, reducing pressure on the gums and growing teeth and encouraging natural sucking movements.
Some orthodontic pacifiers are even designed to be soft enough to avoid irritating a baby’s delicate skin. Studies have shown that regular, round pacifiers are more likely to cause open bites and overbites than orthodontic pacifiers. However, even though these pacifiers are claimed to prevent tooth decay, the best way to care for your baby’s dental health is to limit pacifier use after the baby is one year old, even if the pacifier is orthodontic.
On the market, we can choose between several orthodontic pacifiers based on the child’s age or color. Some of them even offer a container to disinfect the nipple and prevent the growth of bacteria. However, it is important to remember about the use of pacifiers in babies. Prolonged use tends to interfere with the development of the child’s mouth. This also applies when the first milk teeth appear and after the child is 3 years old, where the child is faced with dental problems, poor jaw position, chronic nasal obstruction due to mouth breathing, and various other problems. Although orthodontic pacifiers are a healthier alternative to conventional pacifiers, it is still recommended to stop using them after 1 year. If used for a long time, it can cause habituation in the child and problems with the position of the roof of the mouth.
Orthodontic nipple recommendations that resemble mother’s nipple
There are various orthodontic pacifier recommendations that can be selected on the market. Here are some of them:
- Silicone Nipple Baby Huki Dot Orthodontic
Baby Huki has a different advantage from other products, namely orthodontic pacifiers. This type of pacifier is known to make baby’s teeth grow perfectly, stimulate saliva production, its shape resembles a mother’s nipple, and the baby feels like breastfeeding directly from the mother’s breast. - Dr Browns Silicone Wide Neck Options+ Plus Nipple
This nipple from Dr Browns is shaped like the natural shape of a mother’s breast, has a softer texture, and is made of 100 percent medical grade silicone. With this offer, it can certainly create a comfortable breastfeeding experience without mixing air and a nipple shape that increasingly resembles a breast. - Pigeon Nipple Peristaltic Plus Dot Wide Neck
This nipple can support the natural sucking movement of the baby’s tongue. This nipple also comes with Air Ventilation System (AVS) technology which functions to facilitate air circulation when the baby enjoys his milk. - Philips Avent Teat Natural Response Dot
With innovative Natural Response technology, this teat actively responds when the baby drinks and allows the baby to drink, swallow and breathe naturally, similar to the experience of breastfeeding directly from the breast. - Mothercare Orthodontic Baby Pacifier
The design of this pacifier is very natural and with an orthodontic shape that offers a very soft texture. Made from 100 percent super soft silicone that is friendly to sensitive gums. - NUK Premium Silicone Teat
With material made of safe and BPA-free silicone, this teat is very comfortable for babies to use. In addition to being easy to clean, this teat is also shaped like a mother’s breast, making babies more comfortable when using it. In addition, this teat can also be used for all types of bottles. - Hegen Teat Extra Baby Dot
This dot can minimize nipple confusion for babies. The shape of this dot is very similar to the mother’s breast, making babies more comfortable when breastfeeding. In addition, the presence of air vents can also reduce unwanted air intake and prevent milk bubbles, as well as save valuable nutrients from oxidation.
