Factors associated with prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits in two cohorts of Brazilian children

Abstract

BackgroundNon-nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) are very common during childhood. However, if these habits were maintained for 36 months of age or more, they are considered to be prolonged (PNNSH) and can cause occlusal, physiological and esthetic changes. There is controversy about their prevalence and whether perinatal, social, demographic and health characteristics influence their onset and duration. So, the objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of PNNSH and to evaluate perinatal, early life and school age factors associated with their occurrence in children.MethodsA sample of 1,463 children aged 7–11 years born in Ribeirão Preto (RP-1994) and São Luís (SL-1997/98), Brazil, was reevaluated at school age in 2004/05. Birth weight, gestational age and perinatal variables were obtained at birth. Type of feeding, occurrence and duration of finger and pacifier sucking were recorded retrospectively at school age. PNNSH were defined when persisted for 36 months of age or more. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by Poisson regression (alpha = 5%).ResultsPrevalence of PNNSH was higher in RP (47.6%) than in SL (20.2%) – (p < 0.001). Perinatal variables were not associated to PNNSH, whilst female sex (PR = 1.27 in RP; PR = 1.47 in SL) and bottle feeding for 24 months or more (PR = 2.24 in RP; PR = 2.49 in SL) were risk factors in both locations. Breast feeding for 12 months or more (PR = 0.53 in RP; PR = 0.31 in SL) was associated with lower prevalence of PNNSH in both places. In SL, children whose mothers lived in consensual union (PR = 1.62) and worked outside the home (PR = 1.51) showed higher prevalence of PNNSH compared to their counterparts.ConclusionsPrevalence of PNNSH was high especially in RP and was not associated with perinatal variables. In both cities there was an association between female sex, shorter breast-feeding duration, longer bottle feeding duration and higher prevalence of PNNSH.

Associação entre hábitos orais deletérios e as estruturas e funções do sistema estomatognático: percepção dos responsáveis

“…In contrast, short duration of breastfeeding and bottle sucking duration were consistently associated with higher prevalence of prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits. In addition, it has been observed that eating habits and nutritive sucking at the beginning of life seem to be predictors of these habits at school-age (17) . Among the factors that contribute to early weaning are socio-cultural and economic matters, the use of artificial nipples, and non-nutritive sucking, especially the use of pacifiers, which may pose a risk for HOHs (14,18) .…”

Pacifier Sucking Habit and its Relation to Dental Caries and Type of Feeding Habits among Group of Children (Comparative Study)

“…A pacifier (dummy) sucking is one of the most common nonnutritive sucking habits. It is a nursing object that has an imperforated nipple, such a device used by many infants and children to provide a sense of comfort, security and pleasure (1,2,3) .…”

“…Prolonged pacifier sucking habit may produce deleterious effects (9) ,especially if it persists beyond 3 years of age (3) , including interruption of breast-feeding, or even its cessation (4,10,11) , recurrent otitis media (7) , candidal infection and thrush (12)(13)(14) .In addition, it may act as a predisposing factor that may increase the chance of developing dental caries (9,11) as well as the development of posterior cross bite which is one of the most frequent type of malocclusion associated with its prolonged use (12)(13)(14) .…”

Pacifier Sucking Habit and its Relation to Oral Health of Children Aged 1-5 Years (comparative study)

“…Both are considered sucking habits as they involve frequent conscious and unconscious neuromuscular activities (3,4) .…”