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NUK Study
Gentle on teeth, jaw and palate*
Every parent wants to ensure their baby’s healthy development, and choosing the right soother plays a crucial role in oral health. NUK is committed to evidence-based design, which is why we supported a groundbreaking study by the University of Minho, Portugal. This research investigated the effects of different soother shapes on the development of teeth, jaw and palate.
*Pereira et al., “Clinical Oral Investigations” 2025, 29:356.
Understanding the study
In this comprehensive study, researchers compared the original NUK shape with other common soother designs using advanced computer simulations. These simulations visualised exactly how a baby’s tongue interacts with the soother against the palate. The key insight: areas of high stress (shown in red in the study) indicated potential issues, while minimal stress signalled optimal development.
NUK STUDY
GENTLE ON TEETH, JAW AND PALATE*
The results: NUK’s proven advantages
The study results were clear, showing that NUK soothers offer significant benefits for your baby’s oral development compared to a conventional soother with a visibly rounder shape:
- Lowest palate stress: NUK soothers showed lower simulated palate pressure and tooth displacement than other tested designs.*
- Minimised tooth shift: they also showed considerably lower dental displacement.
The study indicates that NUK’s design results in lower simulated forces on teeth and palate. Researchers associate these forces with the development of dental misalignments such as “open bite”, “crossbite” and “overbite”.
The experts weigh in
Dr Christof Metzler
Paediatrician
“This study provides crucial scientific evidence that, with the right soother, parents don’t need to fear negative impacts on their child’s oral development.”
Ingrid Lohmann
Midwife & lactation consultant
“It’s highly valuable that this study focused on identifying the optimal soother shape, as a soothing soother can be incredibly helpful for both baby and parent.”
Dr Matthias Kiefl
Orthodontist
“I’m very impressed that, thanks to this study, we now have a model to accurately simulate the effects of different soother shapes on a child’s developing oral structures.”
Dr Isabell von Gymnich
Paediatric dentist
“The study strikingly illustrates the potential for deformation and misalignments when incorrect soothers are used or used for too long. It underscores the importance of choosing the right design.”
Trust NUK for a soother that is gentle on teeth, jaw and palate*. Choose the shape supported by biomechanical research, designed to care for their precious smile from day one.
Research behind our products
We want you to feel confident in every choice you make for your little one. That's why we share the independent research behind our products, all in one place. Spotted a footnote on one of our products? This is where you'll find the details.
Gentle on teeth, jaw and palate
Pereira et al., “Clinical Oral Investigations” 2025, 29:356
University of Minho, Portugal. Computer simulations comparing the NUK soother shape with other common designs. Referenced on our soothers.
Trusted by 95% of babies
Independent market research with 307 respondents, Germany 2017
Referenced on NUK First Choice soothers.
98% baby acceptance and easy latching
Independent market research, Germany 2023
Referenced on NUK Perfect Match bottles, teats and sets.
96% of experts confirm less air in the feed
Independent market research with 50 midwives and 50 paediatricians, Germany 2021
Referenced on NUK Anti-colic Professional bottles and parts.
Over 80% of parents recommend NUK Bottle Cleanser
Independent market research, Germany 2023
Referenced on NUK Baby Bottle Cleanser.
Favourite breast pad in a user test
Independent market research, user test with 140 participants, Germany, January 2020
Referenced on NUK High Performance Breast Pads.
Clinically tested nipple shields
Independent clinical study with 95 breastfeeding participants and 33 nurses, Germany 2017
Referenced on NUK Silicone Nipple Shields.
#1 hospital brand in Germany for feeding
Calculation based on teats sold to hospitals by Newell Brands, relative to birth and feeding statistics (cdc.gov, statista.com)
Refers to the German hospital market. Referenced on our hospital page and bottles.
Every study helps us become even better
For as long as NUK has been around, scientists have tested NUK products and their effects on the development of babies. Their results are put into practice every single day. They help us improve tried and tested products and develop new ones, based on the latest scientific findings, mainly from medicine and developmental psychology.
NUK: growing happily and naturally
With our feeding and soothing solutions, we follow nature’s example and help babies go their own way, step by step. Our philosophy is simple: our products are designed to support baby’s natural growth, every step of the way. It is NUK’s brand philosophy to design age-appropriate products that accompany children as they grow, without interfering with their natural development.
NUK’s heartfelt philosophy
Our heart beats for one thing above all: the incredible, invisible bond between you and your baby. This precious connection is the starting point for everything we do. Our philosophy is rooted in understanding, respecting and protecting this unique bond, always designed to support your baby’s natural growth, every step of the way. We combine warmth with science, creating solutions designed to be your gentle ally, making life simpler so you can focus on what truly matters: the love that grows between you.
*Pereira et al., “Clinical Oral Investigations” 2025, 29:356.
