Causes And Risk Factors For An Ear Infection

Use Of A Pacifier

Pacifiers are some of the most common baby toys in the United States. When babies suck on these tools, they experience a soothing feeling. Pacifiers might be able to help with the pain from teething by giving babies something to chew on, and parents appreciate the peace and quiet. However, studies indicate pacifiers might actually do more harm than good. One example is the use of a pacifier has been shown to increase a child's risk of developing an ear infection. Researchers who found the link say it's best for children to stop using their pacifiers except for very briefly before bed. The study indicated limiting a child's use of a pacifier might lower their ear infection risk by as much as twenty-nine percent. The reasoning for this is that when a child continuously sucks on their pacifier, the tubes in their ears become abnormally opened. This leads to throat secretions seeping into the child's middle ear. The secretions contain bacteria that then fester in the ear, leading to ear infections.

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