Beware the buzzwords! BOTTLES & PACIS: an industry of false advertising
- Alex Kelly
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
"Orthodontic" Pacifiers
The orthodontic pacifier was designed by two German orthodontists in the mid 1900's with the concept based on the natural shape of a mother’s nipple, later becoming widely known as Nuk. However, knowing what we know now about ideal craniofacial development, proper latching, and the importance of the function and placement of the tongue - we now know this is not the ideal shape for a pacifier.
In fact, the typical “orthodontic” shape is very similar to the “lipstick” shape of a breast-feeding mother’s nipple after baby unlatches that we now know indicates an improper latch.
Prolonged use of orthodontic pacifiers can interfere with natural oral development. Instead of resting on the roof of the mouth—where it encourages the upper jaw to expand and make room for incoming teeth—the tongue gets pushed downward. This altered tongue posture can restrict proper jaw growth, often leading to a narrower upper arch. As a result, children may experience crowding, crooked teeth, bite problems, or even jaw misalignment over time.
If You're Going to Use a Pacifier
This may be a controversial take, but pacifiers can have benefits, especially in the early months. They provide comfort and may even play a role in strengthening oral muscles.
The concern isn’t with pacifiers themselves, but with the shape of the paci and how much/how long they’re used. Pacis, like orthodontic pacis, that hook to the palate can be problematic. And prolonged or frequent use, particularly past the infant stage, can increase the risk of issues like crooked teeth, changes in jaw growth, and speech difficulties - and unfortunately, once started it’s often hard for babies and parents to wean.
Choose a paci with a rounded, cylindrical shape
Avoid pacis that are flat, bulbous, or labeled as “orthodontic”
Should require active suction to maintain placement
Should pacify the child for a brief period, not occupy the mouth
Should not be used every time baby cries
Should not be given in the crib all night
Should not have free range access
If baby spits it out, don’t keep putting it back in
Wean by 4-6 months (12 mo at the absolute latest)
Kimberly White, CCC-SLP, COM
How to Wean the Pacifier
There’s no one size fits all method to weaning the pacifier, but here are a few options that have worked for some that I polled.
Use tools to help redirect the behavior, like the MyoMunchee or teething/chewing/soothing toys
Start by only allowing the pacifier in the bed. If child is older, can make it creative by giving the pacifier it’s own pillow or blanket so it can “sleep” while the child is awake
Friday Baby Weaning Kit (if child is use to an orthodontic paci)
Cold turkey
Poke holes for few a few days, then slowly cut down
Poke small holes and over time make the holes bigger
Rub with Sucker Buster
Breast is Best
The following is not at all a debate about formula vs breast milk, but rather a breakdown of the factual differences in feeding pattern that are developed with each.
Bottle-fed babies use their buccinator and lip muscles to feed, compared to breastfed babies who primarily use their tongue.
When a baby breastfeeds, the nipple naturally draws deep into the mouth and presses against the palate. The baby’s tongue and facial muscles have to work actively to extract milk, and this effort helps shape the mouth. The gentle but consistent pressure on the palate encourages it to widen, while the movement of the jaw and sutures stimulates bone growth, creating broader, healthier jaws.
What the Research Says
This study that looked at bottle vs breastfeeding and the development of the maxillofacial complex noted that the tongue's position is lower during bottle-feeding than during breastfeeding, resulting in a weaker stimulation of the tongue and mandible. As a result, the masseter and pterygoid work is reduced.
Breastfeeding engages the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, helping them develop in both size and strength. It also stimulates the temporomandibular joint and supports forward growth of the lower jaw (mandible). Early activation of these muscles, along with the maxillo-nasal complex during nursing, lays the foundation for proper chewing function later in life. Together with genetic and environmental factors, this muscle activity plays a direct role in the growth of the upper and lower jaws as well as the overall development of the oral and facial muscles.
Another study concluded that breastfed children tend to exhibit more favorable ideal occlusion values compared to those who were fed formula.
The same study did note that the bottle nipple and quality of movement can play a role in feeding effectiveness when it comes to bottle
Buzzwords in the Bottle Industry
The reality is, there are going to be cases where breast-feeding isn't possible. Thankfully, not all hope is lost! The same study previously noted acknowledged that the bottle nipple and quality of latch & movement can play a role in feeding effectiveness when it comes to bottle-feeding babies.
I want to believe most companies truly mean well, and are not set out to purposefully falsely advertise - but the false marketing, even if unintentional due to a lack of updated knowledge, is rampant in the baby industry.
Bottle companies like to market that their bottles “mimic the breast.” However, many of these only do so in the bottle shape and color - NOT the nipple, which is the only aspect that matters when it comes to efficient bottle-feeding.
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