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Adult Pacifiers Go Viral in Brazil as Italian Media Report Early Interest

Psychologists caution that the fad reflects symbolic regression and may harm oral health.

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Overview

  • The adult pacifier trend, which began in China as an anti‑stress practice, has surged in Brazil with heavy social‑media visibility and celebrity associations including Neymar.
  • Recent coverage cites millions of TikTok and Instagram views and notes earlier pop‑culture nods, helping normalize the behavior among young and older users.
  • Users describe short‑term benefits such as anxiety relief and, anecdotally, help with smoking cessation, though these claims remain unproven.
  • Experts warn of infantilization and potential health risks including open bite, altered tongue posture, phonetic difficulties, jaw pain, and oral mucosal lesions.
  • Italian outlets report early commercial interest, including claims of pharmacy sales, preorders, and prices up to €100, which are reported assertions and not independently verified.