What Problems are Caused by Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits?

Discussion Facial growth is affected by the normal activities of breathing, sucking, chewing and swallowing. Sucking habits effects on facial structures “…depend[s] on the frequency, intensity and duration of the habits, the osteogenic development and the genetic endowment of the child.” Breastfeeding assists normal development of the facial structures (mainly maxilla, mandible and dental arches) by proper muscle activity and tongue positions. With bottle, finger, or pacifier sucking, there is overuse of the chin and cheek muscles, underuse of the orbicular oris and masseter muscles, and malpositioning of the tongue which can impede proper facial growth. Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a very common behavior in infants and young children. Prevalence varies “…based upon age, gender, ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, type of feeding, duration of breastfeeding, mother’s age, number of siblings and cultural level.” NNS objects such as pacifiers, thumb or fingers, or another external object such as blanket, or clothing are commonly used to help with self-soothing and for sleep. These may be used of other transitional objects (e.g. blankets, stuffed animals, etc.) which help with emotional regulation. However non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) can cause problems, mainly with dental malocclusion. Malocclusions can be seen in the deciduous teeth of even toddlers caused by NNSH. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends to cea...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news