Implications of Pacifier Use in Israeli Children

Observational Study - Pacifier Use in Israeli Children

The purpose of this study is to examine pacifier sucking habits among children, and to assess implications of the oral habit - for example malocclusions and drooling. The effect of pacifier sucking will be recorded and compared to pacifier type and frequency of use.

Pacifier study protocol

• The study will take place in children day care centers in Jerusalem and "HaSharon" area.
• First step = Receiving an approval from the Children's parents and the day care management for the research.
• Next step = Examine a total of 400 children who use a pacifier, with a dental mirror in regular lighting condition.
• The procedure is short, no need of repetition or tracing and without any side effects or discomfort.

Part 1- a short questionnaire of demographic background- will be answered by the parents:

1. Personal details- Parents names and ages, child's name and ID number, relation to the child (mother, father…)
2. Social economic status - mother's education, place of residence, number of children in the family.
3. Child's personal details -gender, age, number of siblings
4. Pacifier use habits- period of use, type of pacifier, frequency of use, reason of using a pacifier.
5. Child's Dental condition- drooling, cross bite, open bite.
6. Parents' Awareness of pacifier's effect on mouth development.
7. Parents' approval for child examination. Part 2- clinical- visual examination for identification of relevant findings

1. Child's pacifier type. 2. Dental clinical examination performed in a lightened room:

• Diagnosis of caries- data will be written in a chart.
• Diagnosis of malocclusion- open bite or cross bite 3. Diagnosis of drooling from mouth corners which indicates malocclusion. Redness or dryness around lips and chin can imply drooling.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy children aged 3-4 years that use a pacifier

Exclusion Criteria:

children suffering from a chronic or developmental disease that can affect the orofacial region

• finger sucking children children suffering from low muscle tonus, abnormal drooling