[The development of the deciduous dentition under the influence of differently shaped pacifiers].

Intending to perform a prospective study after the birth of their children 312 mothers were asked for co-operation and a newly developed preventively shaped pacifier was given them (free of charge) for use. Two years later it was possible to join 202 children and morphologically investigate their primary dentition. On the base of the real behaviour in the meantime the subjects formed five groups: children without sucking habits, finger suckers, user of cherry-shaped pacifiers, so-called health pacifiers and test pacifiers. The findings show specific significant differences. Especially cherry-shaped pacifiers but also medically recommended pacifiers can badly influence the development of the deciduous dentition. However, the harmful results can be minimized by a special preventive shape.