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Efficacy of a novel pacifier in the prevention of anterior open bite
Stefan Zimmer1, Claudia R Barthel, Ruzi Ljubicic
1Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany. Stefan.Zimmer@uni-wh.de
Insights
The Dentistar pacifier significantly reduced anterior open bites in infants compared to the NUK pacifier. No significant difference was found between Dentistar use and no pacifier use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- Pacifier use is common in infants.
- Certain pacifier designs may influence dental development, potentially leading to anterior open bites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the novel Dentistar pacifier in preventing anterior open bites in infants.
- To compare the incidence of anterior open bites between Dentistar, NUK pacifier, and non-pacifier users.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 129 newborns assigned to Dentistar, NUK, or control groups.
- Children were assessed for anterior open bites by a blind operator between 10 and 26 months of age.
Main Results:
- The incidence of anterior open bites was 38% in the NUK group, 5% in the Dentistar group, and 0% in the control group.
- A statistically significant reduction in anterior open bites was observed in the Dentistar and control groups compared to the NUK group (P<.001).
Conclusions:
- Pacifier use, particularly certain designs like NUK, may be associated with an increased risk of anterior open bites in 16-month-old infants.
- The Dentistar pacifier demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of anterior open bites and can be recommended for infants under 16 months.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to test a novel pacifier (Dentistar) regarding the development of anterior open bite in infants.
Methods:
One hundred twenty-nine newborn children were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: NUK (N; N =73); and Dentistar (D; N=56. Children (N=42) who did not use a pacifier served as the control (C). At 10- to 26-months old, the children were re-examined (via a blind operator) regarding the existence of an anterior open bite.
Results:
One hundred twenty-one toddlers (66 females, 55 males) were included in the final analysis (N: N=42; D: N=43; C: N=36). The mean age was 15.9 (±3.9 SD) months. In Group N, 16 children (38%) showed an anterior open bite, 2 (5%) in Group D, and 0 in Group C. The incidence of open bites was significantly less in Groups D and C vs N (chi-square test, P<.001). No significant difference was found between D and C.
Conclusion:
Pacifier use may promote open bites in 16-month-old infants. Compared to a commonly used pacifier, the Dentistar caused almost no anterior open bites and, therefore, can be recommended for children younger than 16 months old.
