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, Maria José RODRIGUES, Mônica Vilela HEIMER, André Suliano de ALENCAR

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.

Keywords: Habits. Open bite. Suction. Prevalence.

How to cite: Magalhães LNC, Rodrigues MJ, Heimer MV, Alencar AS. 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. Dental Press J Orthod. 2012 Mar-Apr;17(2):119-23.

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