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...

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...

Prolonged duration of finger- and pacifier-sucking may be a risk factor for maldevelopment of orofacial structures and dental occlusion. This study assessed the prevalence of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking habits and their association with some contributing factors among 7-year-old girls in Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. Based on a questionnaire to the parents of 436 schoolgirls, the r...

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...

BACKGROUND Early transition from breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking habits may be related to occlusofacial abnormalities as environmental factors. Previous studies have not taken into account the potential for interactions between feeding practice, non-nutritive sucking habits and occlusal traits. This study assessed the effects of breast-feeding duration, bottle-feeding duration and non-n...

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of malocclusion and to examine the effects of breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking habits on dentition in six-year-old children. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out nested into a birth cohort conducted in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, in 1999. A sample of 359 children was dentally examined and their mothers interviewed. Anterior open bite and po...

A variant of the non-nutritive sucking method was explored to test 2-month-old infants’ perception of whole sentences. Three consecutive high-amplitude sucks were required to trigger one sentence, and each subject was submitted to two changes in stimulation, one experimental (language change) and one control (speaker change). The results were significant, showing that the procedure is appropria...

Thumb and digit-sucking habits or non-nutritive sucking are considered to be the most prevalent among oral habits. Most children stop thumb sucking on their own. If the habit continues beyond 3 to 4 years of age, it not only affects the dental occlusion, but the shape of the thumb/digit may be altered as well. This article presents the management of thumb sucking by modified RURS, elbow guard i...