Pacifying Baby Parents don't have to choose between a screaming baby now and hefty orthodontist bills in the future. You may hear warnings that indicate using a pacifier causes crooked teeth, but the Chicago Dental Society says limited pacifier use does not cause long-term damage.
Dentists say it's okay to use pacifiers to comfort children when they're put to sleep.
In this case, it's better to use a pacifier than let children suck their fingers or thumbs. It's easier to get children to stop using pacifiers than to stop sucking their thumbs. If, however, the pacifier is used constantly, it can adversely affect the child's bite. Instead of using the pacifier as the first resort to get children to stop fussing, try holding or rocking the child. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say you should follow common-sense safety precautions when using a pacifier.