If Your Child Bites Through the Pacifier

Posted on 03 Jun. 2025

Pacifier Guides Parenting Tips

What to do if your baby bites the pacifier

If you notice bite marks on your child’s pacifier nipple, we recommend that you start to wean your child off of the pacifier in the nearest future. Especially if your little one is between 2 and 3 years old and already teething - at this stage, itchy gums and growing curiosity often lead to biting. Pacifiers are intended for your child to suck on; they are not designed to be chewed on.

Always check the pacifier for damage

As soon as your child starts teething, it’s important to check the pacifier on a daily basis. You can do this by pulling the nipple and check for damages. If you see any damage, stop using the pacifier and discard it immediately. Below, you’ll find documented examples of pacifier damage resulting from teething.

Teethers as alternatives

When the first teeth are starting to break out, your child will typically want to put everything into its mouth. The gums will often feel itchy, and it may also hurt when those little teeth are coming out. If your child is biting through the pacifier nipple, it can be a good idea to get your child a teether. A teether can be more challenging to suck on, but it’s worth the try.

Minimize the use of pacifiers

Minimize the use of pacifiers as soon as you discover bite marks in the pacifier nipple. We recommend that you give your child its pacifier only when it needs to fall asleep. However, if your child continues to use a pacifier by the age of 3, it can result in “pacifier teeth”. This kind of damage usually shows up around the ages 4 - 6, when permanent teeth are starting to replace your baby’s teeth. At FRIGG, we recommend weaning off pacifiers before the age of 3 to help support healthy dental development..

Before you start the proces of weaning off pacifiers, you may want to try switching to FRIGG Natural Rubber pacifiers, if your child uses the FRIGG medical grade silicone pacifiers. Natural rubber is more elastic than silicone, and it is harder for small baby teeth to bite through. But remember that no pacifier is intended for biting.

Signs that the pacifier has been damaged by a teething child biting through it

Signs of biting on a pacifier

This photo shows a pacifier with bite marks on the plastic shield and cuts on the silicone nipple - typical signs of teething damage.
No signs of wear, cut open

This image shows an unused pacifier that has been cut open. Unlike Image 1 and 3, there are no signs of bite or scrape damage.
Tooth marks and scrapes on pacifier shield

Scrape marks are visible on the pacifier shield, with small chisel-like impressions on the plastic lock from a child’s tooth.
Scrape marks and bite damage on pacifier lock

This image shows distinct scrape marks on the pacifier shield and a clearly bitten-through nipple base, highlighting signs of aggressive teething behavior
Fully bitten over pacifier

This detailed image shows bite-related damage on the pacifier’s plastic lock - consistent with teething behavior and surface scraping.
Detached pacifier nipple showing bite damage

The silicone nipple has separated from the shield, with visible bite marks at the base - clear signs of teething-related stress and wear.

Pacifier Bite & Teething FAQ: Safety, Replacement & Tips

Why does my baby bite his pacifier?

Biting is often your baby’s way of exploring or soothing sore gums — especially during teething. It’s a natural phase, but it can also be a sign that the pacifier is being used more for biting than for comfort.

If you notice bite marks, it’s time to keep a closer eye. To keep your baby safe, always inspect the pacifier before each use and replace it at the first signs of damage.

What does chewing on a pacifier mean?

Chewing on a pacifier often signals that your baby is teething or seeking sensory stimulation. It’s their way of exploring the world - and finding relief for sore gums.

But pacifiers aren’t meant for chewing. If your child is consistently biting or chewing, it may be time to transition to a teething-safe alternative or begin the weaning process.

Is a pacifier bad for teething?

Not necessarily. Pacifiers can be a helpful source of comfort during teething - soothing sore gums and calming fussy moments. However, like with many things, balance is key.

If used too frequently or for too long, pacifiers may affect how your baby's teeth grow in, especially once permanent teeth start coming through. That’s why we recommend using them thoughtfully: offer a pacifier when your baby needs comfort, and gradually phase it out as they grow.

At FRIGG, our pacifiers are thoughtfully designed - some with orthodontic-friendly nipple shapes - to support healthy development while giving your baby the soothing experience they love.

Can pacifier damage be reversed?

Yes - often it can. If your child stops using a pacifier before adult teeth arrive, early dental changes may correct themselves naturally.

To protect your child’s smile, we recommend weaning off pacifiers by age 3. Prolonged use beyond that can lead to “pacifier teeth,” especially between ages 4–6 when permanent teeth begin to emerge.

What age should you not use a pacifier?

At FRIGG, we recommend weaning your child off pacifiers before age 3. Using a pacifier beyond this age can increase the risk of developing “pacifier teeth,” especially as adult teeth begin to come in around ages 4–6.

A good rule of thumb: start reducing pacifier use as soon as you notice bite marks in the nipple, and try to offer it only when your child is falling asleep.

Gentle, gradual weaning helps support healthy dental development - and it’s one more way to nurture your child’s growing smile with care.

What are the side effects of taking away a pacifier?

For some little ones, losing the pacifier can temporarily disrupt sleep - especially if they’ve come to rely on it as part of their nap or bedtime routine. You might notice shorter naps, earlier wake-ups, or a bit more fussiness at sleep time.

This is completely normal. Just like any transition, it takes time.

A gentle, reassuring weaning process can help ease the shift and support your child as they learn new ways to self-soothe. With patience and consistency, restful sleep will return.