Alterações bucais causadas pelo uso prolongado de chupeta e mamadeira em crianças

Abstract

Patients in primary health care are often unsatisfied with their oral health, either for functional or esthetic reasons. Many abnormalities have their roots in childhood, due to the presence of harmful habits from the very moment of birth. The use of pacifiers and nursing bottles is widespread among children on account of incentive from health professionals, relatives, or even of the mother herself. This paper aims to report the main abnormalities related to the extended use of pacifiers and nursing bottles, and also to promote better ways of preventing these habits. A literature review grounded in scientific articles, books and official documents was undertaken. The main abnormalities identified are: breathing and phonation problems, abnormalities in tooth positioning, deglutition problems, hypo development of the jaw, open bite and nursing caries. Orientation and prevention against the use of pacifiers and nursing bottles, stressing their prejudicial effects, must be put into practice by health professionals during pregnancy, along with recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding. To reach this goal, it is necessary that the professionals involved are duly capacitated about the problems related to the extended use of pacifiers and nursing bottles. It is also necessary that these professionals can interact between themselves to promote better results preventing bad oral habits and to carry out the proper treatment or referring to another specialist.