After a milk meal, bucket-fed calves show non-nutritive oral activities, including cross-sucking, and this can discourage producers from rearing them in groups. Sucking is known to induce a quiet state in humans and rats. We examined if nutritive sucking affects non-nutritive oral activities in calves, if it reduces arousal (assessed through behavior and cardiac activity), and if sucking a dry ...

OBJECTIVE Nutritional, immunological and psychological benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life are unequivocally recognized. However, mothers should also be aware of the importance of breastfeeding for promoting adequate oral development. This study evaluated the association between breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking patterns and the prevalence of anterior open b...

Background Non-nutritive sucking is part of the initial development process in preterm infants that may speed up the transition from the tube to oral feeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-nutritive sucking on mother's finger on feeding tolerance and attainment of independent oral feeding in preterm infants. Materials and Methods This single blind clinical trial was co...

Background: Preterm infants frequently experience oral feeding difficulties due to undeveloped oral- motor skills and lack of coordination between sucking, swallowing and breathing. Infants’ ability to orally consume all feedings while maintaining physiological stability and weight gain is necessary for their discharge. Aim: The effect of non-nutritive sucking on weight gain in preterm infants....

OBJECTIVES The assessment of early sucking by preterm infants provides information on the ability of these infants to efficiently and safely receive nutrients via an oral route (oral feeding). To analyze the application and reliability of an instrument in assessing non-nutritive sucking that indicates a capacity for oral feeding in the routine care of different neonatal units. METHODS A multi...

In utero exposure to opiates may affect autonomic functioning of the fetus and newborn. We investigated heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of autonomic stability in prenatal opiate-exposed neonates (n = 14) and in control term infants (n = 10). Electrocardiographic data during both non-nutritive and nutritive sucking were evaluated for RR intervals, heart rate (HR), standard deviation of...

The detrimental effects of prolonged pacifier use on the developing oral structures are often the primary focus of dental professionals; however, non-nutritive sucking with a pacifier has other consequences that include not only harmful effect but positive influences as well. This article will address some of the issues for consideration regarding the use of pacifiers and provide information fo...

INTRODUCTION Non-nutritive sucking habits can cause occlusal alterations, including anterior open bite. However, not all patients develop this malocclusion. Therefore, the emergence of AOB does not depend on deleterious habits, only. OBJECTIVE Investigate a potential association between non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSHs), anterior open bite (AOB) and facial morphology (FM). METHODS 176 ch...

BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the association between feeding habits, non-nutritive sucking habits, and malocclusions in deciduous dentition. METHODS A cross-sectional observational survey was carried out in 275 children aged 3 to 6 years and included clinical evaluations of malocclusions and structured interviews. Statistical significance for the association between feeding habits a...

The new-born mammal has both nutritive and non-nutritive sucking requirements (Levy, 1934). When non-nutritive sucking is prevented, abnormal oral behaviour which can resemble the effect of apomorphine may be induced. The two types of sucking behaviour can be distinguished using equipment described by Stephens (1975). This consists of a wooden box lined with rubber sheeting. A rubber teat is in...