Adults Turning to Thumb Sucking as a Stress Relief Method on the Rise
In a surprising turn of events, a childhood comfort item is making a comeback, but this time among adults. The pacifier, a familiar item from childhood, is now being used by adults to help them calm down and aid sleep. This trend, primarily originating in China and spreading worldwide, especially among younger adults seeking quick relief from anxiety and burnout, has gained traction in various countries, including the United States, South Korea, and others [1][2][3][5].
However, experts warn that while pacifiers might provide temporary calming effects, they pose significant long-term risks to oral health and mental well-being [1][2][3][4][5].
Long-term effects:
Prolonged use in adults can lead to teeth misalignment, jaw stiffness, altered bite patterns, and dysfunctional swallowing habits, which are difficult to reverse once the jaw structure has matured [3][4][5]. Extended pacifier use during sleep raises the risk of choking or suffocation if parts become loose, and continuous oral irritation may lead to infections [4][5]. Psychologists emphasize that using pacifiers may mask underlying emotional or psychological issues instead of addressing them, potentially delaying effective treatment such as therapy or lifestyle changes [1][2][4][5].
Worldwide trends:
The trend started in China but has gained traction globally, with documented use in the United States, South Korea, and other countries, largely promoted and normalized through social media platforms like TikTok [2][3][5]. Adults use pacifiers in various stressful scenarios such as traffic jams, high-pressure workdays, or to aid sleep [2][3].
The popularity highlights rising global mental health burdens and the search for accessible, easy-to-use stress relief tools, although specialists suggest healthier alternatives like exercise, mindfulness, or fidget toys instead [1][2][4].
In the USA, some adults have tried using pacifiers at home after discovering the trend online. This trend is opening up a new market for pacifiers, as adults do not use baby pacifiers [5]. However, the potential risks of adult pacifier use on dental health are still uncertain.
This trend of adults using pacifiers is gaining traction among the public, but it is not without controversy. The use of pacifiers by adults is a concern for some experts, such as dentists, due to the potential long-term impact on dental health [5]. The pacifier, a symbolic coping mechanism reflecting broader societal stress, is not advised as a sustainable or healthy stress management strategy [1][2][3][4][5].
In conclusion, while the pacifier offers a quick fix for stress and anxiety, it is essential to consider the long-term risks to oral health and mental well-being. Healthier alternatives like exercise, mindfulness, or fidget toys are recommended for managing stress effectively.
Other science related research has delved into the health-and-wellness implications of adult pacifier use, revealing concern for mental-health issues. Prolonged use could mask underlying emotional or psychological issues, potentially delaying effective treatment.
