Article
(Dent Update 2013; 40: 92–101)
I am glad you have covered this important dental and general health issue because, as dentists, we witness the many detrimental effects of dummy use. Firstly, they can lead to malocclusions such as anterior open bite and may distort a child's facial appearance. Secondly, a child's linguistic development is affected, to the point where they present to practice usually shy and timid, indeed unable to respond to the simplest of questions regarding name and age. Furthermore, toddlers, as a result of prolonged dummy use, may appear malnourished owing to the non-nutritive nature of the dummy-sucking habit.
Shockingly, we have all witnessed a mother replace a dropped dummy into a child's mouth, having sucked on it herself. This is not only a basic hygiene concern but sets a bad example to children and introduces needless infection risk. Upon discussion with parents, many are unaware of the potential negative long-term effects and they begin to consider stopping the habit. They are particularly concerned about delays in the child's speech, and communicative development.
I am disturbed by the Daily Mail Online Health Survey that concluded that 70% of respondents are against the banning of dummies.1 Parents could be buying themselves peace and quiet at the expense of their child's development. It follows that, if health professionals from midwives to health visitors, doctors and dentists all play their role in parental education, then we would prevent the aforementioned consequences.