Final answer:
Artificial nipples and pacifiers can cause nipple confusion, increase the risk of middle ear infections, lead to oral developmental issues like dental malocclusion, and potentially expose infants to toxic substances if not made of safe materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of artificial nipples or pacifiers can lead to a number of infant issues. One of the primary concerns is the potential for nipple confusion or pacifier dependency, especially when introduced before breastfeeding is well established. This can result in difficulties with breastfeeding, as babies may have trouble latching properly or may prefer the easier flow from a bottle. Prolonged pacifier use is also associated with an increased risk of middle ear infections due to the sucking motion, which may create a pressure that can lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear.
Furthermore, a reliance on pacifiers might lead to oral developmental issues, such as dental malocclusion or disruption in the normal growth of the mouth and teeth, if used extensively over a long period. Additionally, objects such as pacifiers possibly harbour germs, increasing the risk of illness if not properly sterilized. Lastly, artificial nipples and pacifiers if not made from safe materials, might expose infants to toxic substances when chewed on, similar to the risk posed by other non-food objects as mentioned in the lead danger case study.