In recent months, online shopping platforms in China have seen a sudden surge in sales of an unusual product: adult pacifiers. Yes, you read that right. Made from silicone or rubber, these pacifiers are being sold for anything between £1 and £50, and one seller even claimed to have shifted more than two thousand units in a single month.
Now, most parents already know that dummies are not exactly the healthiest option for children, let alone adults. For babies, early use can interfere with breastfeeding, as the sucking action on an artificial teat is very different from feeding at the breast. Research has shown that relying too heavily on a dummy can shorten breastfeeding time, affect milk production, and in some cases, lead to early weaning.
The risks don’t end there. Prolonged dummy use in toddlers (especially beyond the age of two) can cause dental problems, such as an open bite or misaligned teeth, as well as delays in speech development. Even with regular cleaning, there’s also the chance of bacteria and fungi building up, leading to oral infections, ear problems and mouth ulcers.
Let’s not forget the emotional side of things – children can become very attached to their dummies, making it stressful for both them and their parents when the time comes to give it up.
So, if pacifiers are already a worry in childhood, what happens when adults start using them?
On the surface, this may look like nothing more than the latest online trend. But if we scratch beneath the surface, it may reveal something deeper: a silent emotional struggle that many young people and adults are facing today.
Turning to objects like pacifiers might provide a brief sense of comfort, but it doesn’t address what’s really going on. Just as a plant only thrives when its roots are healthy, our minds also need proper care at the root of the problem. Stress, restlessness and sadness are not solved by a quick fix – they require us to look inward, reflect, and find the courage to confront what’s really causing the pain.
Facing the uncomfortable isn’t easy. But doing so is the first step towards inner healing.
Why not take a step towards a brighter, healthier future? Join us at a Universal Church near you for our ‘Life in Colour’ event this Sunday, 21st September at 10am.
If waiting until then feels too far away, you don’t have to. We’re here for you right now. You can call our 24-hour helpline on 020 7686 6000, or if you prefer, message us directly via WhatsApp: 020 7686 6010.
Disclaimer: Our support is spiritual in nature. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, we encourage you to also seek support from qualified medical professionals.
Event: Life in Colour
Day and time: Sunday 21st September at 10am (also at 7:30am)
Location: Your local Universal Church
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