Adult Pacifier Trend Raises Alarm Among Dentists Over Potential Damage to Teeth

A growing self-soothing trend that began overseas is now attracting attention in the United States, as more adults turn to oversized baby pacifiers to cope with stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Marketed as calming tools for restlessness and emotional relief, these adult pacifiers are replacing traditional stress balls and fidget devices for some users. However, dental professionals are warning that the unusual habit could lead to serious long-term damage to teeth and jaw alignment.

The trend gained early popularity in China, where adult pacifiers began appearing on social media platforms and online marketplaces as novelty relaxation products. From there, demand quickly spread to Western markets. In the U.S., online sellers now report moving thousands of adult pacifiers every month, with prices ranging from as little as $1.40 to as high as $70, depending on design and materials.

Despite the rising popularity, orthodontists say the practice runs counter to basic dental health principles. “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.”

Many buyers describe the appeal as deeply psychological. Some report that the pacifiers provide a sense of comfort rooted in early childhood. One user explained, “When I’m under pressure at work, I suck on the dummy. I feel indulged in a sense of safety from childhood.” Others claim the habit helps manage ADHD symptoms, supports weight loss by reducing snacking, or even curbs cigarette cravings. “It gives me comfort and makes me less fidgety during my smoke cessation periods,” another buyer said.

While users report emotional relief, dentists caution that the physical consequences can be lasting and difficult to reverse. One of the most common risks is the development of an open bite. This condition occurs when the upper and lower front teeth no longer meet properly when the jaw is closed, leaving a visible gap.

“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.” Unlike children, whose jaws and teeth are still developing, adult bone structure is fully formed. That means any shift in tooth position caused by prolonged pacifier use is far less likely to correct naturally.

Correcting an open bite in adults usually requires orthodontic treatment, most often with braces or clear aligners, and in severe cases, even surgery. In addition to bite problems, extended pacifier use can also trigger a tongue thrust pattern. This is a reflex normally seen in infants, where the tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth while swallowing.

In adults, tongue thrust can lead to long-term complications beyond cosmetic dental issues. It may interfere with speech, contribute to jaw pain, and worsen existing misalignment. “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.”

Mental health specialists acknowledge that adults often seek physical coping mechanisms during periods of heightened anxiety, burnout, or emotional strain. However, many emphasize that relying on a device designed for infants is not a healthy long-term solution. Dr. Hamilton Gaiani, chief medical officer at FirePit Health, stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of stress. “Instead of relying on pacifiers, adults should focus on confronting the deeper issues for lasting mental well-being,” he said.

Experts note that oral fixation behaviors in adults are not uncommon, especially during periods of emotional distress. Chewing pens, biting nails, and grinding teeth are all examples of similar coping behaviors. While pacifiers may appear harmless, dentists caution that they apply constant pressure to the same areas of the mouth, amplifying the risk of damage over time.

There are also hygiene concerns. Pacifiers that are frequently used but not properly cleaned can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of oral infections, cavities, and gum disease. Moist environments inside the mouth provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth, especially when foreign objects are introduced regularly.

Dental professionals and psychologists alike encourage adults to explore safer alternatives for stress relief. Chewing sugar-free gum, using fidget toys, and stress balls can satisfy the need for repetitive motion without applying damaging pressure to the teeth. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, controlled breathing, physical exercise, and creative hobbies are also widely recommended as healthier outlets for anxiety.

Regular dental checkups are especially important for anyone who engages in oral habits that may affect tooth alignment. Allen Zhang, CEO of ProDENT, emphasized the importance of preventive care, saying, “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.”

As the adult pacifier trend continues to circulate on social media and online stores, dental experts remain concerned that the novelty appeal could overshadow the real risks involved. While the desire for comfort during stressful times is understandable, professionals stress that tools designed for infants are not suitable substitutes for evidence-based stress management in adults.

The growing debate highlights a broader tension between viral wellness trends and medical guidance. As more unconventional coping products enter the marketplace, healthcare providers continue to urge consumers to weigh short-term emotional comfort against long-term physical consequences—particularly when it comes to protecting their smiles.