A new and improved nipple structure for a pacifier and an improved pacifier including the nipple structure are disclosed. The nipple element is short, approximately one half inch or one to one and one half centimeters long, and allows the tongue, during swallowing, to be naturally positioned adjacent to the palate. The nipple structure includes a web which extends beyond the tip of the nipple and, in use, is received between the tongue and the palate. Preferably, the web terminates near the mid-point, front to back, of the hard palate of a user. In any case, a portion of the web is received between the tongue and the hard palate. The web is thin, substantially thinner than the nipple element. A pacifier that includes this novel nipple structure will reduce distortion caused by tongue thrusting against a conventional long pacifier nipple. The web, which is received between the tongue and the hard palate, will promote the acceptance and retention of the pacifier by youngsters, especially newborns. Preferably, the improved nipple structure is incorporated in a pacifier.