❝ Some moms or dads would think nothing of “cleaning” their baby’s pacifier after it has fallen on the floor by popping it into their own mouths, while others would be horrified by the idea. But the grossed out parents just might be missing an opportunity to help protect their baby from developing allergies later in childhood, according to researchers here.

❝ Parental pacifier sucking was associated with lower early-life total IgE production, suggestive of increased protection from allergy and allergic asthma, reported Edward Zoratti, MD, of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, and colleagues at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology annual scientific meeting…

Co-author Elaine Abou-Jaoude, MD, also of Henry Ford, said it is known that exposure to certain microorganisms early in life stimulates development of the immune system, and may protect against allergic diseases later.

Especially if you don’t eat enough dirt when you’re a kid. Worked in my family.