Association Between Oral Habits and Temporomandibular Disorders: Do Children Imitate Parents in the Adoption of Certain Habits?

Abstract

Purpose: To examine a possible association between the presence of oral habits in parents and the presence of oral habits in children, observing the habit of a higher frequency in these groups. The aim is also to investigate the correlation between the occurrence of TMD and the presence of oral habits in these children. Methods: A questionnaire was given out to 50 children and their parents at the Clinic of Pediatric Dentistry of FO/UFJF addressing the presence and frequency of oral habits of sucking (pacifier and digital) and chewing (biting nails, biting objects, biting the oral mucosa, bruxism and clenching), and the presence of tables of temporomandibular disorders in children. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis, and chi-square test chosen. Results: The results showed no association between the presence of oral habits in parents and the presence of oral habits in children, considering the 5% level of significance (p greater than 0.05). The habit of biting objects 74% (n=23) was the most common habit among children. While the habit of clenching 46% (n=37) was the most frequent among the parents. The results showed no association between the presence of oral habits and temporomandibular disorders, regardless of the type of habit. Conclusion: The oral habits are common in children. Guidance and clarification are essential in these cases and empower mothers to become agents for stimulating the better development of their children.