The missing piece in your clinical practice
Many professionals recommend or remove pacifiers based solely on age or aesthetic complaints, without understanding the neurophysiology behind sucking or the role of the oral cavity as a closed hydraulic system. Without this foundation, any clinical decision — from choosing the pacifier to the timing of its removal or subsequent myofunctional therapy — lacks a solid basis.
Neurobiology of sucking
How tryptophan, serotonin, and the trigeminal nerve coordinate sucking from intrauterine life and what happens when that system is altered.
Evidence on Teats
When to indicate it, when to contraindicate it, what design to choose, and what is the real impact on occlusion according to comparative clinical evidence.
From habit to intervention
Ideal time to remove pacifier and bottle, non-traumatic behavior modification techniques, and the biofunctional model as a treatment framework.
Learn from Leaders in Pediatric Dentistry
Claudia Restrepo Serna
Pediatric Dentist, PhD in Neuroscience, Global Researcher, and founder of Neurotrainers
International expert in pediatric bruxism, orofacial function, and neurodevelopment. She is one of the most influential voices in the integration of dental practice and neuroscience
Jenny Abanto
Post-PhD in Pediatric Dentistry and Author of Clinical Best-Sellers.
World reference in evidence-based dentistry for babies. With over 80 scientific publications, her methodology is the gold standard for clinical decision-making regarding pacifiers and habits in early childhood.
Course Content
Introduction
Biofunctional Model and Tongue Repositioning Maneuver (TRM). Dr. Engelke: The oral cavity as a closed hydraulic system and interocclusal negative pressure (IOP)
Module 1
- Tryptophan and Serotonin in Maturation: The brain's synthesis of serotonin from tryptophan is essential for maturing the brainstem circuits that coordinate the sucking rhythm from intrauterine life.
- Non-Nutritive Sucking and the Reward System: Sucking stimulates the trigeminal nerve and activates pleasure centers in the brain, functioning as a self-soothing mechanism that reduces stress in newborns and also in children with prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits.
- Pacifiers and Open Bite: Non-nutritive sucking habits lead to open bite and alter the primary somatosensory and motor cortex, with consequences for learning and fine and gross motor skills.
- Intervention through Tryptophan: Tryptophan supplementation can increase serotonin levels to improve sucking vigor and facilitate the transition from tube feeding to independent oral feeding.
- Ideal Age for Pacifier and Bottle Weaning: Recommended timelines to prevent damage to the labial seal and malocclusions.
- Methods for Eliminating the Habit: Behavior modification techniques (Logbook), positive reinforcement, and non-traumatic approaches.
Module 2
- Pacifier classification and design: Differences between conventional (cherry), anatomical/orthodontic, and physiological types.
- Impact of sucking habits on malocclusions: Development of anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and increased overjet.
- Comparative clinical evidence: Analysis of whether pacifier design (orthodontic vs. conventional) truly prevents malocclusions.
- Indications for pacifier use (When YES): Reduction of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk and neonatal pain management.
- How to choose the "ideal" pacifier and nipple?
- Health risks of nipple use.
MAY 7 | 8:00 AM TO 12:00 PM COLOMBIA TIME
Valvular Therapy for sucking disorders and oral habits
Valvular Therapy for sucking disorders and oral habits
MODE: Live via ZOOM
INCLUDES: Certificate of attendance signed by Drs. Restrepo and Abanto, and 3-month access to the course recording
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