Overview
- The Fédération française d'orthodontie says claims of stress relief, better sleep or help quitting smoking are not supported by scientific evidence.
- Clinicians warn adult use can induce an open bite that impairs chewing and speech and may cause temporomandibular joint pain.
- Experts also cite an infection risk linked to prolonged non‑nutritive sucking in adults.
- Unlike in young children, dental changes in adults typically do not self‑correct and often require orthodontic appliances.
- Guidance recommends stopping pacifiers by about age two to three, at latest four, and smokers are directed to medically supervised cessation with reimbursed nicotine replacement and, if needed, psychological support.