While many Children love them, dentists often see pacifiers as problematic. The manufacturers react and develop numerous jaw-friendly innovations. Luna Journal talked to some companies about their innovations.

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“No pacifier is the best pacifier,” says the Austrian orthodontist MD dent. Herbert Pick. “But when one is needed, there are certain things to consider.” The expert has developed the biofunctional pacifier Hang Loose by Curaprox Baby. The design is unusual because the narrow pacifier has side wings. According to Curaprox Sales Manager Ludwig Popp, it should not only ensure optimal development, but also serve as a tongue trainer for undisturbed, natural language development. “The flat tip of the pacifier gives the palate room, it does not grow upwards (no gothic palate). This prevents malpositions as well as breathing, sleeping and concentration problems. The side wings direct the suction pressure to the jaws instead of the palate. This results in the dental arch becoming nicely round. The silicone membrane with the natural breast feeling is wonderfully pleasant. The membrane moves with, which supports the natural swallowing process,” said Popp.

Bend in the pacifier reduces pressure on teeth

In addition to this wing design, there are other production processes designed to protect against malpositions. Novatex has a small bend in its Dentistar range. The product is regularly available at Rossmann for instance. According to Alexandra Brüggemann, Head of Marketing Novatex, special attention is paid to tooth and jaw friendliness: “Together with the orthodontist Prof. Dr. Hinz, a unique, tooth-friendly suction part was developed here. The secret is the dental level of the dentistar, which reduces the distance between the upper and lower incisors. In combination with an extra flat shaft, 90% less pressure is exerted on the jaw and teeth compared to conventional pacifiers. In addition, the spoon shape of the nipple’s tip ensures that the tongue retains its natural free space to the front. This prevents tongue malfunctions (e.g. lisping).”

NUK has launched a new generation of pacifiers

The classic silicone or latex pacifiers have become baby companions who can do more. NUK has also launched a new generation of pacifiers. Stephanie Schwingen, NUK International Marketing: “NUK has a great responsibility as the inventor of the orthodontic pacifier. We always want to offer the best for our little target group. This is why we have optimized the NUK pacifier so that it comes even closer to its natural model - namely the mother’s breast during breastfeeding - based on the latest recommendations from medical experts. NUK pacifiers are now even smoother, thinner and narrower and soothe more than ever before”. The new MAM pacifiers are also flat and flexible: “Our Perfect pacifier was developed in close cooperation with dentists. Its teat is on average 60 percent thinner and four times more flexible than conventional silicone pacifiers. This gives the teeth the best possible contact. Jaws and teeth can develop optimally,” says MAM Marketing Manager Stefanie Ginnow.

Manufacturers rely on cooperation with doctors and mothers

An important argument for many parents when buying pacifiers are medical assessments. NUK has asked 307 mothers and 50 medical experts for their evaluation. “95 percent of babies accept the improved NUK pacifiers and 92 percent of breastfeeding mothers confirm that these do not impair breastfeeding. In addition, 100 percent of orthodontists confirm that they do not cause tooth and jaw malpositions. These are statements of which we are a little bit proud,” says Schwingen. Novatex had its Dentistar tested for three years in a clinical study at the University of Witten Herdecke. Alexandra Brüggemann: “50 percent of the children examined who received the normal (conventional) pacifier had an open occlusion. 21 out of 45 children - every second child. In contrast, the rate for Dentistar was 7 percent - only three out of 45 children.” MAM’s product development is based on cooperation with experts and research institutions such as the ICMRS, paediatricians, educationists, dentists and midwives.

Design is also an important sales argument

Medical efficacy is one thing. Many parents also choose pacifiers according to their design. After all, the nipple is prominently visible and should therefore also match the baby and its outfit. Stephanie Schwingen from NUK: “Colors and motifs play a major role in the purchase of baby products, such as pacifiers or baby bottles. Parents today expect contemporary and trendy designs to match baby fashion, which underline the individuality of their little ones. That is why it is important that we regularly update our range with new motifs. We always make sure that bottles, pacifiers and accessories fit together and result in harmonious design concepts”. There are currently pacifiers with trend motifs such as the flamingo, Disney figures or classics such as dinosaurs and cars. Suction cups with additional benefits such as illuminated pacifiers are particularly popular. They can be found quickly and easily by the child at night.

Individualization is also a trend with pacifiers

What has been known for a long time with bags and shirts is now also popular with pacifiers: Individualized copies with the name of the child make the nipples unmistakable. At MAM, personalized pacifiers are purchased for birth. Marketing Manager Stefanie Ginnow: “New demand arises when the children go to the daycare center, to the in-home daycare provider or to kindergarten: The practical advantage is that individualized products minimize the risk of confusion with other children’s accessories”. When it comes to design, the company has its ears open in the market. MAM takes up suggestions from parents, which are submitted via social media channels, for example. In addition, extensive parent surveys are carried out by the market research department. At NUK there is a pacifier studio: parents can design their dream nipple on the homepage. The photo of the child can also serve as a motif here.

 

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Image: Curaprox

//KH