Forget meditation and melatonin: now young people are fighting stress… with the help of pacifiers designed for adults. Yes, the same silicone pacifiers that are usually designed for newborns.

The trend, which was initially considered strange, is now at the peak of popularity on Taobao and JD.com. Prices range from 10 yuan ($1.40) to 500 yuan ($70). They are used as a sleeping pill, an anti-stress and even as a way to quit smoking.

“When I’m under pressure at work, I suck on a pacifier. It’s like going back to childhood, feeling safe,” Chinese users admit.

TikTok has also joined the trend: videos of adults relaxing at work with pacifiers are garnering thousands of likes. Some claim that it helps them focus, while others say it reduces the urge to smoke.

Dentists are shocked

But not everything is so rosy. American orthodontist Dr. Ben Winters warns:

“Adults who suck on pacifiers run the risk of developing an open bite. The upper teeth move forward, the lower teeth move inward, and the natural bite is disrupted. In addition, “tongue pressure” can develop, which leads to problems with teeth and speech.”

Therefore, if you want to “self-regulate” without risking your teeth, it is better to chew gum, take anti-stress toys or do breathing exercises. Psychologists add that it is important to work with the causes of stress, and not just suck on a pacifier.

Jesse Waters as a “baby”

This trend has also reached the United States. Fox News host Jesse Waters showed an adult pacifier on his show, mocking young people who use it to cope with stress. On the air, he put the pacifier in his mouth and joked: “I feel better.” His colleague Greg Gutfeld criticized the approach, arguing that stress is not a toy, but real pressure, and using pacifiers as a “support” is wrong.

Opinions were divided. Some TikTok users claim that pacifiers really help them focus and relax, while others recommend alternatives like candy and gum.