The study asks: What shape of teat is the best for pacifiers?

The study asks: What shape of teat is the best for pacifiers?

"The simulations show that pacifiers with NUK's original orthodontic shape (NUK Genius or NUK Standard teat) are the safest for the palate and jaw."

 

A pacifier can be a true saviour for desperate parents: Sucking has a soothing effect on babies, can even relieve pain, helps them fall asleep and encourages the digestion. Experts are however critical of the negative aspects, such as malpositioning of the teeth and jaw or problems with breastfeeding that may become worse with the use of pacifiers. The wrong pacifier can thus have a lasting effect on a child's health. This is why many parents are sceptical about whether they should even give their baby a pacifier - and if so, which one?

The question that arises here is: Which pacifier is the best?

A fascinating study on this subject has been performed by the University of Minho in Portugal. In complex computer simulations it examined how pacifiers with a different shape each acted on the palate, jaw and teeth of babies.

Figure: Distribution of pressure on the palate in pascal (Pa) with different teat models.

Red = highest pressure, Blue= lowest pressure (modified acc. to 1)

A fascinating study on this subject has been performed by the University of Minho in Portugal. In complex computer simulations it examined how pacifiers with a different shape each acted on the palate, jaw and teeth of babies.

The results demonstrate "to impressive effect the extent of deformation and maIpositions that can be aggravated by incorrect pacifiers and using them for too long" was the conclusion of paediatric dentist Isabell von Gymnich. There are major differences between round, symmetrical or flattened, orthodontic teats.

The decisive factor is the shape of the teat!

The simulations show that pacifiers with NUK's original orthodontic shape (NUK Genius or NUK Standard teat) are the safest for the palate and jaw.

Pressure is distributed more evenly by the flattened shape of the teat during sucking, so reducing displacement of the incisors and molars. NUK pacifiers can thus help to avoid maIpositions of the teeth.

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Further information on this pacifier study is available here: Beruhigungssauger:

Die richtige Form ist entscheidend; in: Aerztezeitung.de