The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite as well as their main causes (associated factors) in Brazilian children aged 30-59 months. A cross-sectional study was carried out during the National Immunization Day for polio in the city of Recife in the northeastern region of Brazil. The sample was made up of 1,308 children. Data were collected from interviews with mothers or guardians as well as from clinical examinations carried out by previously trained dental students. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis at 5% significance level. The prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits was 40%, and the habits were associated with gender (p=0.001), age (p=0.003) and feeding type (p<0.001). Anterior open bite was detected in 30.4% of children, and it was significantly associated with feeding type (p<0.001) and non-nutritive sucking habits (p<0.001). The variables found to be associated factors in the present study for the occurrence of non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite emphasize the need to establish strategies that include orientation regarding health promotion based on the "common determining factors" approach. Public health policies should be adopted to encourage a longer duration of breastfeeding, thereby contributing towards reducing the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite.

The prevalence of oral-maxillofacial trauma was high, and the main associated factors were place of residence and mechanism of aggression.

Aspectos orofaciais dos maus-tratos infantis e da negligência odontológicaOrofacial aspects of childhood abuse and dental negligence

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o conhecimento sobre saúde bucal de concluintes do curso de Pedagogia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Para tanto, alunos em sala de aula responderam um questionário contendo quesitos objetivos relativos ao tema. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e os resultados indicam que 83% dos cem participantes tiveram acesso a informações de odontologia preventiva, 64% pelo cirurgião-dentista. Os acadêmicos conhecem pouco sobre placa bacteriana (31%), ao contrário da etiologia da cárie dentária (55%). Embora 92% dos concluintes afirmem ser a chupeta prejudicial ao desenvolvimento facial da criança, apenas 9% identificaram a idade limite de desuso. Adicionalmente, 20% acertaram o momento ideal do primeiro contato entre criança e dentista. Concluiu-se que os estudantes apresentam conhecimento razoável em relação à saúde bucal, sugerindo a instituição de programas educativos dentro do currículo acadêmico, uma vez que esses futuros profissionais contribuirão para a formação da criança, estabelecendo práticas diárias capazes de gerar saúde.

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