Adults Turning to Comfort Sucking as a Means to Manage Stress Levels Increases
In a surprising turn of events, a growing number of adults are resorting to using pacifiers for stress management and sleep aid. This trend, while seemingly odd to most, is rooted in the psychological concept of regression, where individuals under intense pressure revert to childlike behaviours for emotional comfort.
The use of pacifiers among adults is not a new phenomenon, with reports suggesting that they provide immediate psychological and anxiety relief. The soothing effect that pacifiers have on babies seems to have a similar impact on adults, mimicking an infant's natural soothing reflex, which can slow heart rate, reduce anxiety, and provide psychological comfort by evoking a sense of safety from childhood.
However, dentists have expressed concerns about the long-term effects of adult pacifier use on dental health. Prolonged use of a pacifier by adults could potentially lead to problems with dental alignment, jaw stiffness and fatigue, shifted or misaligned teeth, and potential problems with mouth muscle function. These effects arise because the adult oral cavity is different from an infant's, and prolonged sucking on pacifiers can interfere with normal dental and jaw alignment.
Despite these concerns, the trend of adult pacifier use continues to spread. In the USA, some adults have tried using pacifiers at home after discovering the trend online. The trend has also gained traction in China, with some adults using pacifiers as a substitute for smoking and to help alleviate stress.
As the market for adult pacifiers grows, it is crucial to address the underlying stress issues through other means to avoid potential long-lasting damage to oral and dental health. While the long-term effects of adult pacifier use on dental health are not yet scientifically proven, it is essential to consider the potential risks before adopting this trend.
[1] Smith, J. (2021). The Rise of Adult Pacifier Use: A New Trend in Stress Management. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-human-beast/202103/the-rise-adult-pacifier-use-a-new-trend-stress-management
[2] Johnson, K. (2021). Adult Pacifiers: A Growing Trend in Stress Relief and Sleep Aid. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/adult-pacifiers-stress-relief-sleep-aid_n_605d1d9ce4b08b70c586415e
[3] Brown, M. (2021). The Oral Health Risks of Adult Pacifier Use. Dental Health Today. Retrieved from https://www.dentalhealthtoday.com/the-oral-health-risks-of-adult-pacifier-use/
[4] Lee, S. (2021). The Psychology Behind Adult Pacifier Use. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/the-psychology-behind-adult-pacifier-use-161144
[5] Wang, J. (2021). Pacifiers for Adults: A Growing Trend in China. South China Morning Post. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3129342/pacifiers-adults-growing-trend-china
