Could sucking on babies’ pacifiers keep allergies from developing?

This study was too small to draw any conclusive facts about allergy and the sharing of microbes,” says Lee. “But I joke with families that a little dirt may be good for their kids, and this study certainly wouldn’t contradict that.” Since the study’s publication, some dentists have noted that parents sharing oral bacteria with kids might lead to cavities. But Man Wai Ng, DDS, MPH, dentist in chief at Boston Children’s says it’s doubtful that occasional pacifier sharing would be overly damaging to young teeth. “The reality is that saliva transfer is almost completely unavoidable, especially when babies get hugged and kissed a lot,” she says. “Since oral bacteria is just a part of life, parents should focus on what they can do: good brushing with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, limiting exposures to sugary foods and drinks and visiting a dentist by age 1.” Boston Children’s Hospital’s Allergy and Immunology Program is a leading center for the evaluation and treatment of children with allergies. To learn more about how we treat children of all ages with allergies, visit our website.          
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: All posts Asthma & allergies Food allergies how to cope with food allergies John Lee Source Type: news