Adult Pacifier Trend: Potential Dental Risks
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- Published: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 07:14
- Written by News Editor
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A recent viral social media trend, intended to alleviate anxiety, has garnered significant attention, particularly in China, where it has amassed over 68 million views on the video-sharing platform Douyin. Although initially confined to China, the trend has since gained traction in the Western world through TikTok.
Individuals who have experimented with this practice report experiencing a reduction in anxiety, improved sleep quality, and potential weight loss. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the practice involves the use of adult pacifiers, which are two centimetres larger than infant pacifiers.
The rationale behind the use of adult pacifiers is that they stimulate oral sensory receptors, similar to the enjoyment derived from consuming crunchy food. This stimulation is believed to facilitate focus and calmness.
According to a report by the China Daily, adult pacifiers have gained popularity on e-commerce platforms such as Taobao, where some sellers have reported a substantial increase in sales, reaching over 2,000 units per month.
While the trend has garnered widespread acceptance, health experts are raising concerns regarding its potential long-term effects, particularly concerning the development of irreversible dental complications. Notably, adults are at risk of developing overjet, a condition characterised by the significant protrusion of upper teeth beyond lower teeth.
It is important to note that pacifiers are not exclusively used for infants. Unlike children whose teeth naturally adjust after pacifier use, adults are susceptible to developing irreversible dental changes, including overjet.
Not only can the use of adult pacifiers be painful and aesthetically unappealing, but it can also lead to everyday challenges in terms of eating and speaking.
Allen Zhang, a leading figure in dental health technology and the CEO of ProDENT, elucidated: “While the initial use of adult pacifiers for stress relief may appear innocuous, their prolonged use can result in severe dental complications over time."
Zhang further explained that overjet, a condition characterised by the forward movement of the upper teeth and the backward movement of the lower jaw due to constant sucking pressure, is more prevalent among adults who use pacifiers regularly.
In contrast, overjet in children is typically transient as their bones are still in the process of growth and can adapt to the changes.
However, in adults, the jaw structure is permanently set. Consequently, when overjet develops as a result of pacifier use, the teeth do not naturally revert to their original position.
Therefore, individuals who engage in the trend of using adult pacifiers are advised to monitor their teeth and bite closely and to report any changes or concerns to a dental professional.
Furthermore, health experts caution that the use of pacifiers may serve as a means for adults to cope with emotions, potentially hindering their ability to address the underlying causes of their anxiety.
Dr. Hamilton Gaiani, the Chief Medical Officer at FirePit Health, underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of anxiety rather than relying on temporary comfort measures such as pacifiers.
Gaiani emphasised that while chewing gum, fidget toys, or stress-relief balls may provide temporary relief, they should not be considered permanent solutions.
In addition to these strategies, individuals can explore other avenues for managing stress, such as engaging in physical exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, or pursuing new hobbies.
Concluding his remarks, Allen Zhang emphasised the significance of being aware of the potential risks associated with the use of adult pacifiers. While they may offer temporary respite from stress, excessive reliance on them can lead to dental problems.
Therefore, it is advisable to explore alternative stress management techniques and consult a dentist regularly to maintain the health of one’s teeth.
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