Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national television programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.

Q: Can using a pacifier ruin my baby's future teeth?

A: I have no problem with a parent offering their infant a pacifier. A pacifier can serve as a temporary measure to allow your baby to fulfill her early, strong sucking needs. Most children will readily abandon this sucking device during or shortly after the toddler period, often when they realize that it's socially unacceptable for a"big girl" or "big boy" to have one. However, should your child refuse to give up her "paci", or discover her thumb instead, she could be headed for trouble. Prolonged (beyond the toddler period) attachment to any sucking device can contribute to misalignment of the primary teeth. Often it's persistent thumbsucking, not pacifiers, that is a common cause for orthodontic problems.