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Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences
Piracicaba Dental School - UNICAMP
EISSN:
Vol. 11, No. 3, 2012, pp. 377-380
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Bioline Code: os12036
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences, Vol. 11, No. 3, 2012, pp. 377-380
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Gender as risk factor for mouth breathing and other harmful oral habits in preschoolers
Motta, Lara Jansiski; Alfaya, Thays Almeida; Marangoni, Analúcia Ferreira; Mesquita-Ferrari, Raquel Agnelli; Fernandes, Kristianne Porta Santos & Bussadori, Sandra Kalil
Abstract
Aim: To analyze associations between the mouth-breathing pattern and other harmful oral habits
among preschoolers. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out involving
198 children from 3 to five 5 of age. A questionnaire, clinical evaluation and specific tests (mirror
and water tests) were used for confirmation of the mouth-breathing pattern. Results: Mean age
of the participants was 4.13 ± 0.8 years and 57.1% were male. A total of 87.4% exhibited one or
more harmful oral habits. Harmful habits were more common in the male gender (61.8%); this
association was statistically significant (p<0.001). Mouth breathing was the most prevalent habit
(49%), followed by biting/sucking on objects (33.3%). Regarding gender, statistically significant
associations were found for bottle feeding (p=0.02) and nail biting (p=0.02). Mouth breathing was
associated with biting on object (p=0.00), pacifier use (p=0.02) and thumb sucking (p=0.00).
Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that mouth breathing is significantly
associated with biting/sucking on objects, pacifier use and thumb sucking in preschoolers and that
the occurrence of harmful oral habits is more prevalent among the male gender. Early diagnosis
and intervention should be established in order to avoid future consequences involving the
orofacial region.
Keywords
mouth breathing, habits, child.
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