[Presence of temporomandibular joint discomfort related to pacifier use].

: The goal of the present study was to analyze if the duration of pacifier use influenced the stomatognathic system in children that did not present any other parafunctional habits. : Transversal cohort study. : To collect data, a questionnaire was used and answered by the mothers of 90 children aged three to seven years old. : The children were divided into three groups: did not use pacifier; used pacifier until 2 years old; and used pacifier for more than 2 years. Greater prevalence of pain or discomfort in the stomatognathic system was observed among the children who had not used pacifier and the children who had used it for more than 2 years. The prevalence was smaller among the children who used pacifier until 2 years of age. : Thus, it is concluded that pacifier is important to induce children to perform suction movements, preparing them to the introduction of solid foods. However, if used for a prolonged period of time, it may damage the joint and consequently the child's quality of life.