Abstract
It is well recognized that pacifier habit leads to occlusal and orofacial functional changes in children. However, the effects of the interruption of prolonged pacifier habit on the development of the dento-facial complex has not yet been fully characterized. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pacifier removal on aspects of oro-dentofacial morphology and function in preschool children. For that, a pacifier group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 32) of 4-year-old children with and without pacifier habit, respectively, were followed up by a group of dentists and speech therapists at baseline, 6 and 12 months after habit removal. Bite force and lip pressure were assessed using digital systems, and the evaluation of breathing and speech functions was performed using validated protocols, together with the measurements of dental casts and facial anthropometry. The Two-way mixed model ANOVA was used in data analysis. After 12 months, a decrease in malocclusion frequency was observed in pacifier group. Additionally, a change over time was observed in facial, intermolar and palate depth measurements, as well in bite and lip forces and speech function scores, increasing in both groups (p < 0.01). The upper and lower intercanine widths and breathing scores differed between groups at baseline and changed over time reducing the differences. The presence of speech distortions was more frequent in the pacifier group at baseline and decreased over time (p < 0.05). The interruption of pacifier habit improved the maxillary and mandibular intercanine widths, as well as the breathing and speech functions, overcoming the oro-dentofacial changes found.Trial Registration: This clinical trial was registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/), protocol no. RBR-728MJ2.
Highlights
Non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSB), such as pacifier use and thumb-sucking, are generally engaged by infants in response to frustration and to satisfy their urge and need for contact [1]
Many studies showed that persistence of these habits beyond 2 or 3 years of age considerably increases the probability of developing orthodontic problems, including anterior open bite, increased overjet, posterior crossbite and long facial height [7]
Evidence suggest that sucking habits and mouth breathing are both closely related to anterior open bite, posterior crossbite and increased overjet [11]
Summary
Non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSB), such as pacifier use and thumb-sucking, are generally engaged by infants in response to frustration and to satisfy their urge and need for contact [1]. It has been suggested positive effects of the use of pacifier as a nonpharmacological intervention in the management of acutely painful procedures in infants [2, 3]. Evidence suggest that sucking habits and mouth breathing are both closely related to anterior open bite, posterior crossbite and increased overjet [11]
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