AWARENESS OF MOTHER WITH BABY PACIFIER

Introduction: Pacifiers consist of a latex or silicone nipple with a firm plastic shield and handle and are available in different forms and sizes. This is used in infant for colling and calming effect on infant however, it is related to many disadvantage and side effect on teeth of the infants. In this study we aimed to a Assess the interrelation between different on-nutritive sucking habits, pacifier use and thumb/digit sucking. Besides, Investigate the relationships between various non-nutritive sucking habits and occlusion in the primary dentition. Methodology: Following a comprehensive literature review, the questionnaire was designed and used for data collection. Then, a cross‐sectional survey was distributed throughout the internet for two months (October - November 2019) to 200 mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The mothers answered 16 questions, where 5 of them were self-administered, while the others followed the pacifier and their effect on Breastfeeding and teeth. Initially, the participants have answered inquiries about the demographic information. Results: The results of our study include 202 mothers in which 55.9 % were between 18 -30 years old while 88.6 % of married while 6.4 % were widowed and the rest were divorced. Moreover, 67.3 % of mothers in this study started breast feeding but stopped it, while 15.3 % still breast feeding partially, 12.9 % still breasting feeding exclusively and 4.5 % never breast fed during the process of the survey. 58.9 % of mothers agree about the use of pacifier with their infants where younger mothers were more intended to agree about using of pacifier. Considering the reason behind using of pacifier, mothers reported that 74.3 % of mothers using pacifier because of its comfort or soothing effect. Moreover, 47.1 % of the sample thought that best time to start using pacifiers is from first week of birth and 49 % of mothers in this study thought that pacifier should be used for 4 hours per day. Finally, most of mother thought that the ideal time of pacifier cessation before the first year (45%). Conclusion: As with all infant care practices, there may be multiple factors influencing the parental decision to use or not use a pacifier for the infant. Some of these factors (e.g., concerns about nipple confusion, dental concerns) may be the result of misinformation. As pacifier use has been associated with a reduced risk for SIDS, it is important for health care providers to understand and be able to address the concerns that parents may have about pacifier use. In the hospital setting, providers should be aware that parents may have strong preferences about getting educated regarding pacifier use and its consequences.