This Strange Adult Pacifier Trend Is “Wreaking Havoc” on People’s Mouths
A strange new viral habit is making waves, and it’s raising eyebrows among dental experts. What started in China has now spread to the United States, where adults are turning to oversized baby pacifiers as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, and even sleep issues.
Marketed as calming tools, these adult-sized pacifiers are clearing out virtual shelves, despite growing concern from professionals who say the risks far outweigh any temporary comfort.
“There’s a reason we don’t drink from bottles or suck on pacifiers as adults,” orthodontist Dr. Ben Winters, creator of the oral care brand Something Nice, told The New York Post. “It wreaks havoc on swallow and bite patterns.”
Even with those warnings, demand continues to rise. According to South China Morning Post, some sellers are moving thousands of units every month, with prices ranging from just $1.40 to as high as $70.
For many users, the appeal runs deeper than just trend-following. Some describe it as a form of emotional escape. “When I’m under pressure at work, I suck on the dummy,” one user said. “I feel indulged in a sense of safety from childhood.”
Others claim unexpected benefits, from managing ADHD symptoms to helping with weight loss or quitting smoking. “It gives me comfort and makes me less fidgety during my smoke cessation periods,” another buyer explained.
Dental fallout
While the soothing effect may feel real, dentists say the long-term consequences can be serious. One of the biggest warnings is developing an open bite — a condition where the front teeth no longer meet when the mouth is closed.
“The pressure from sucking pushes the upper teeth forward or the lowers inward,” Winters explained. “For kids, the bite can often correct itself as they grow. Adults don’t have that luxury.”
Correcting this kind of damage often means orthodontic treatment, including braces. There’s also the risk of developing a tongue thrust reflex — when the tongue presses against or between the teeth during swallowing — which can lead to ongoing speech and dental complications.
“These issues are exactly why we don’t use pacifiers as adults,” Winters warned. “I wouldn’t make it a habit to keep something like this in your mouth all the time.”
Safer stress fixes
Health experts say there are far safer ways to manage anxiety without putting your teeth at risk. Simple tools like chewing gum, fidget toys, or even traditional stress balls can offer similar sensory relief without the damage.
Psychologists also emphasize the importance of addressing stress at its source rather than masking it with quick fixes.
“Instead of relying on pacifiers, adults should focus on confronting the deeper issues for lasting mental well-being,” said Dr. Hamilton Gaiani, chief medical officer at FirePit Health.
Activities like exercise, hobbies, meditation, and deep breathing remain some of the most effective ways to regulate stress naturally. Meanwhile, regular dental checkups are essential to catching early signs of damage.
“Pacifiers might help for a little while, but using them too much can cause problems. It’s better to try other strategies and protect your oral health,” added Allen Zhang.
