Babies get plaque, too, and their teeth should be wiped with a clean washcloth. Thumbsucking is usually harmless for babies and toddlers, but can present a problem with tooth positioning after permanent teeth erupt. Parents, you'll want to see if the water in your area is fluoridated. If it's not, contact us about other kinds of fluoride protection like tablets or rinses. Plain water, especially if it's fluoridated, is usually best.
Some parents worry that if their infants use pacifiers, tooth problems are sure to follow.
There are some safety considerations to consider if you decide to use a pacifier. Use only commercial pacifiers that are one-piece, too large to be swallowed, and feature mouthguards with two, large ventilation holes. Watch for breaks in the nipple. The end may break off and your baby may swallow it. If you find rips in a pacifier or nipple, throw it out immediately.