Featured Image Credit: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
Topics: Mental Health, China, Health, Social Media
Ellie Kemp
Topics: Mental Health, China, Health, Social Media
A viral trend that's meant to soothe anxiety could be doing far more harm than good when it comes to our smiles.
From the 5-4-3-2-1 method to getting enough exercise, there are lots of tried-and-tested ways to help manage certain mental health issues.
But what works for one doesn't always work for all - and that's where this quite unusual social media trend comes in.
The current boom appears to have originated in China, having drummed up more than 68 million views on video sharing app Douyin - although it's trickled through to the Western world via TikTok, too.
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People who've tried it claim it makes them feel calmer, reduces anxiety, improves sleep quality and even curbs snacking. Some reckon it's helped them lose weight, too.
So, what's this viral trend? Some extreme form of meditation? A eccentric new exercise?
Well, no... The practice in question involves people sucking on adult pacifiers. That's right.
It's thought the special pacifiers - which are two centimeters larger than baby ones - help people to focus and stay calm by stimulating our oral sensory receptors. Similar to how some people enjoy eating crunchy food, I suppose.
According to the China Daily report, adult pacifiers are trending on e-commerce platforms like Taobao, where some sellers report shifting over 2,000 units per month.
And while the trend is clearly being embraced by many, health experts are now raising concerns about its long-term effects, especially when it comes to serious dental complications and emotional independence.
Unlike children whose teeth naturally readjust after pacifier use, adults are at risk of developing irreversible dental changes - in particular, a condition called overjet, where upper teeth protrude significantly beyond lower teeth.
Not only can this be painful and not look the best, but it can create everyday issues when it comes to eating and speaking too.
Allen Zhang, a leader in dental health technology and CEO of ProDENT, explained: "Using adult pacifiers for stress relief might seem harmless at first, but it can cause serious dental problems over time.
"We've seen more adults with misaligned teeth and overjet, especially those who use pacifiers regularly."
Zhang explains that overjet occurs when constant sucking pressure pushes the upper teeth forward and pulls the lower jaw backward.
"In children, this is often temporary because their bones are still growing and can adapt," he said.
"But in adults, the jaw structure is set. When we see overjet developing from pacifier use, those teeth aren't moving back on their own."
So, adults partaking in the trend are being warned to keep an eye out on both their teeth and bite, and to report any changes or concerns to a dentist.
Psychologists also warn that the pacifier trend may serve as a way for adults to cope with emotions, potentially preventing them from addressing the underlying causes of their anxiety.
Dr Hamilton Gaiani, MD, Chief Medical Officer at FirePit Health, explained: "Relying on a temporary comfort like a pacifier can delay the resolution of deeper emotional issues. Instead of masking anxiety, adults should focus on confronting and addressing the root causes for lasting mental well-being."
Safer options that can provide the same temporary relief as a pacifier include chewing gum, fidget toys or stress-relief balls.
Other ways to manage stress might include exercise, relaxation techniques or throwing yourself into a new hobby.
Allen concluded: "As adult pacifiers become more popular, it’s important to know the risks for your teeth. They might help with stress for a little while, but using them too much can cause problems.
"It’s better to try other ways to manage stress and see your dentist regularly to keep your teeth healthy."