Abstract

MAGALHAES, Luiza do Nascimento Cezar; RODRIGUES, Maria José; HEIMER, Mônica Vilela  and  ALENCAR, André Suliano de. 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. [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.2, pp. 119-123. ISSN 2176-9451.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S2176-94512012000200021.

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.