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The pacifier study

Four pacifier shapes in a scientific comparison

In a new study by the University of Minho, Portugal, scientists investigated the effects of different teat shapes on the development of the teeth, jaw and palate.

In comparison: the original NUK shape and three teats with a different design.

In this computer simulation from the pacifier study, the child's sucking movements can be closely observed: the tongue presses the pacifier against the palate. The less stress this causes (shown here in red), the better.

The Results

The study proves:
The original NUK shape is best for teeth, jaw and palate.

Our advantages

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Least pressure on the palate
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Learn more
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Least pressure on the palate
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] In the computer simulation of the child's palate, it is easy to see how much pressure different pacifier shapes exert.

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):]

The study proves:

NUK pacifiers exert a lower maximum pressure and less force on the palate than all the other pacifiers in the comparison. In addition, the pressure is more evenly distributed.

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Minimal misalignment of the teeth
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Learn more
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Minimal misalignment of the teeth
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] In the study, it was possible to measure how much the pacifier shapes misalign the teeth

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):]

The study proves:

With NUK pacifiers, the misalignment of all incisors and molars is lower than with all the other pacifiers in the comparison.

The conclusion of the study

NUK pacifiers have the lowest risk of teeth realignment and the lowest risk of deforming the palate.

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Lower risk of malocclusions such as "open bite", "cross bite" or "incisor protrusion".
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Lower risk of deformation of the jaw or palate

What experts say about it

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):]

The results of the current study are an essential argument supporting pacifiers. (Because)... it is scientifically proven that a pacifier ̶ at least if it is the right pacifier ̶ ... has no negative influence.

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Dr Christof Metzler
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Paediatrician

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):]

It is to be welcomed that the current study looked for the optimal pacifier shape, because a pacifier can be helpful and gives relief.

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Ingrid Lohmann
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Midwife and Breastfeeding Counsellor

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):]

I think it is very good that, thanks to this study, we have a model for simulating the effect of different teat shapes [on the surrounding structures].

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Dr Matthias Kiefl
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Orthodontist

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):]

The current study impressively shows the extent of deformations and malocclusions caused by pacifiers that are used incorrectly and for too long.

[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Dr Isabell von Gymnich
[Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Paediatric Dentist
NUK is the best in test.

Best result in the 2022 pacifier study.

  • [Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Shape is right for the jaw
  • [Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Accepted by 95% of babies**
  • [Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Soothes 99% of babies**
  • [Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Particularly breastfeeding-friendly**
  • [Translate to Nuk.com (English):] Recommended by medical experts**

*"Pacifiers: the right shape is crucial", Pharmawissen aktuell, 2022

**Independent market research, Germany, 2017 and 2020