Parafunctional habits: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction:The presence of parafunctional habits increases the prevalence of malocclusions and alterations in craniofacial development. Objective:To analyze the literature on parafunctional habits, such as tongue habit, digital suction, bruxism and others, as well as their prevalence, alterations and treatment of each one of them. Methodology: A search was carried out in the databases PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using the keywords "Bruxism", "Finger sucking", "Nail biting", "tongue thrust" and "lip sucking". Results: Based on the literature it was found that the most prevalent habit varies with age, in children aged 6-12 years bruxism is more prevalent, on the other hand, from 12-16 years onychophagia prevails. The most common developmental alteration is digital sucking and the most frequent alteration among them is the protrusion of the upper anterior incisors. The treatment for tongue habit is by means of myofunctional therapy and orthopedic appliances, for digital suction bluegrass appliance, in bruxism physiotherapeutic treatment and psychotherapy and for other orthopedic appliances. Conclusion:The prevalence of parafunctional habits varies according to age, and all of them can cause dental malocclusions and developmental alterations. Digital sucking is the habit that can generate the most alterations. In terms of treatment, various options are covered, from myofunctional therapy when muscle strength is involved in the habit, to the use of orthopedic appliances, which not only eliminate the habit, but also contribute to correcting the alterations caused by it.