Prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and its relation with anterior open bite in children seen in the Odontopediatric Clinic of the University of Pernambuco

Luiza Do Nascimento Cezar Magalhães,Mônica Vilela Heimer,Maria José Rodrigues,André Suliano De Alencar

doi:10.1590/s2176-94512012000200021

Luiza Do Nascimento Cezar Magalhães, Mônica Vilela Heimer + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s2176-94512012000200021

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to establish the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits (pacifier and/or digit sucking) and to assess its relation with anterior open bite. METHODS: The sample consisted of 980 records of children of both genders, with ages between 3 and 12 years, who were treated at the Pediatrics Clinic of the University of Pernambuco (FOP/UPE), from February 2000 trough December 2005, both sexes. Pearson's Chi-square test at 5% level of significance was used for statistical assessment. RESULTS: It was observed that 17,7% of the sample had some habit at the moment of the anamnesis (9,6% of digit sucking habit, 8,8% of pacifier sucking habit and 0,7% of both habits) and that the prevalence of open bite was 20,3%. The prevalence of sucking habits in girls was much higher than in boys (22,6% and 12,9%, respectively) and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0,000). A correlation between habits and open bite was proved statistically (p = 0,000): Children with sucking habits had 8 times more chances of developing anterior open bite. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior open bite was associated to the presence of non nutritive sucking habits; sucking habits were more prevalent in girls and in children between three and six years of age.

Highlights

Suction is a primitive and innate reflex, which starts on the 29th week of intrauterine life and is one of the earliest patterns of behavior exhibited by the newborn.[33]
After data analysis it was verified that 17.7% of children were exposed to non-nutritive sucking habits (9.6% digital sucking, 8.8% pacifier sucking and 0.7% digital and pacifier sucking) and that 20.3% presented anterior open bite
Genders regarding the prevalence of non nutritional sucking habits, with the girls showing a higher prevalence of sucking habit (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Suction is a primitive and innate reflex, which starts on the 29th week of intrauterine life and is one of the earliest patterns of behavior exhibited by the newborn.[33]. In the early years of life, muscle exercises carried out by suction during breastfeeding promotes the correct development of the structures of masticatory system, through the balance of muscular forces of inner and external containment.[4]. Whenever there is a disturbance of these forces, dentofacial deformations will occur in regions of atypical pressures. It is what happens in the presence of non-nutritive sucking habits, bringing a series of disorders to the stomatognathic system, i.e., a reduced vertical growth of the anterior portion of alveolar process, upper incisors proclination and anterior displacement of maxilla due to horizontal force. The lower incisors can undergo proclination or even retroinclination, in owing to the tension of lower lip, to the tongue during swallowing and/or to the presence of the digital pressure.[35]

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