Toddlers using pacifiers should take a break from a pacifier as often as every 2 to 3 hours during the day.
Usually when it's time for the toddler to eat or drink something that is often enough time for the toddler to take a break from the pacifier.
Using a pacifier too long without breaks could cause drool rash around the toddlers mouth.
Although if the toddler is not getting a rash around their mouth from the pacifier then it's okay to allow the toddler to keep the pacifier in until it's time to eat or when they need to drink something.
But it's also good to have the toddler remove the pacifier for awhile and have them try to talk without it, as pacifier use can hinder speech development as well.
Your toddler may throw a tantrum, but they will eventually get over it.
I remove my toddlers pacifier every few hours and have them go at least 30 minutes to an hour without it so they can talk properly without it.
My toddler son throws a fit about it, but eventually gets over it and I tell him he can have it back after awhile.
And it's also recommended that pacifiers should be weaned by age 2 to 3 years old.
And by 12 to 18 months the toddler should have breaks from their pacifiers, with a goal of limiting pacifier use to naps and bedtimes.
But full weaning of pacifiers is recommended by age 3, to help avoid speech issues, dental issues like misaligned teeth or even changes in the toddlers jaw shape and even prevent potential ear infections.
By age 2 you should aim to have your toddler only use the pacifier for sleep and by age 3 to 4, it's recommended that you fully remove the pacifier from the child.
When weaning your toddler or child off a pacifier, you should use a gradual approach and limit the pacifier use to only the crib or bed only and remove it immediately once the child wakes up.
Toddlers will throw tantrums and cry about the pacifier being removed, but you must stick to it and eventually the toddler will stop throwing the tantrum and give the pacifier up.