BACKGROUND The survival rates of preterm infants has increased over the last years, but oral feeding difficulties are the most common problems encountered by them. OBJECTIVES This study aimed at comparing the effects of non-nutritive sucking (NNS) and pre-feeding oral stimulation on feeding skills, length of hospital stay and weight gain of 26-32 weeks gestational age preterm infants in NICU,...

BACKGROUND Non-nutritive sucking habits may adversely affect the orofacial complex. This systematic literature review aimed to find scientific evidence on the effect of pacifier sucking on orofacial structures. METHODS A search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases was conducted to find all pertinent articles published from inception ...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of posterior crossbite among children whose pacifier-sucking habit persisted until different ages. Children aged 3 to 6 years were randomly selected from public preschools in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Their mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire on non-nutritive sucking behaviors. The sample consisted of 366 children assigned to 2 groups...

BACKGROUND Screening is necessary for infants at risk of retinopathy of prematurity. Despite local anaesthetic drops, infants find eye examinations distressing, displaying behavioural and physiological changes indicating acute pain. Oral sucrose and non-nutritive sucking reduce pain responses associated with invasive procedures. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of oral sucrose and/or pacifier fo...