Mouth Breathing and Its Impact on Atypical Swallowing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review is the assessment of the effect of mouth breathing on the prevalence of tongue thrust. The review was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 checklist guidelines, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022339527). The inclusion criteria were the following: studies of clinical trials and cross-sectional and longitudinal descriptive studies that evaluate the appearance of tongue thrust in patients with mouth breathing; healthy subjects of any age, race or sex; and studies with a minimum sample group of five cases. The exclusion criteria were the following: studies with syndromic patients, articles from case reports, and letters to the editor and/or publisher. Searches were performed in electronic databases such as The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE via PUBMED), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science and Scopus, including studies published until November 2023, without a language filter. The methodological quality of the included case-control studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool was used for descriptive cross-sectional studies and cross-sectional prevalence studies. A meta-analysis was conducted on studies that provided data on patients' classification according to mouth breathing (yes/no) as well as atypical swallowing (yes/no) using Review Manager 5.4. From 424 records, 12 articles were selected, and 4 were eligible for meta-analysis. It was shown that there is no consensus on the diagnostic methods used for mouth breathing and tongue thrust. The pooled risk ratio of atypical swallowing was significantly higher in the patients with mouth breathing (RR: 3.70; 95% CI: 2.06 to 6.66). These studies have several limitations, such as the heterogeneity among the individual studies in relation to the diagnostic tools and criteria for the assessment of mouth breathing and atypical swallowing. Considering the results, this systematic review shows that patients with mouth breathing presented higher risk ratios for atypical swallowing.

Malocclusions in Pediatric Patients with Asthma: A Case-Control Study.

Asthma is a public health problem that has been widely described, but little has been reported about its effects on dental occlusions. The aim of this study was to compare the alterations of normal occlusions in asthmatic children and those without the disease. The study included 186 patients between 5 and 12 years old, divided into two groups. The first group included patients with a previous diagnosis of asthma given by a specialist, which was confirmed by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The second group included patients without the disease. All patients underwent a clinical examination to determine the presence of occlusion alterations in the sagittal, transverse, and vertical planes. Subsequently, chi-squared tests were performed to compare the variables between the groups. A significant association was found between asthma and the variables studied here: alterations in the sagittal plane (chi2 = 7.839, p = 0.005), alterations in the vertical plane (chi2 = 13.563, p < 0.001), alterations in the transverse plane (Fisher's F p < 0.001), and oral habits (chi2 = 55.811, p < 0.001). The results suggest that asthmatic patients are more likely to develop malocclusions, especially anterior open bite and posterior crossbite. These conditions are typically related to mouth breathing, which is common in asthmatic patients.

Intervención educativa en la Escuela Primaria «Paco Cuesta¼ / Educational intervention at "Paco Cuesta" Primary School

RESUMEN Se realizó un estudio de intervención educativa en 48 estudiantes de la Escuela Primaria «Paco Cuesta¼, ubicada en el área de salud «XX Aniversario¼ del municipio Santa Clara, Villa Clara, durante el curso escolar 2016 - 2017. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron: identificar las necesidades de aprendizaje sobre hábitos bucales deformantes en escolares de cuarto grado, y evaluar, a corto plazo, los resultados obtenidos en la población objeto de estudio. Los resultados demostraron que los adolescentes modificaron positivamente la información que tenían sobre estas temáticas a partir de las instrucciones de los profesionales.

ABSTRACT An educational intervention study was carried out in 48 students belonging to "Paco Cuesta" Primary School which is located in the «XX Anniversary¼ health area from Santa Clara municipality, Villa Clara, during the 2016-2017 academic year. The objectives of this research were to identify the learning needs about deforming oral habits in fourth-grade school children, and to evaluate the results obtained, in the population under study, in the short term period. The results showed that the adolescents positively modified the information they had on these topics based on the instructions of the professionals.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Tongue Thrust Habit: A Narrative Review.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The respective review article is to provide an overview of the various exercises in orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) as a treatment modality for tongue thrust habit. Tongue thrust is the persistence of an infantile swallow pattern during late childhood. This leads to breathing and speech difficulties, open bite, and protruded teeth. During formative years, most children successfully transition from an infantile to a mature swallowing pattern. However, a few develop a retained infantile swallow and tongue thrust habit which could be due to abnormal habit like thumb sucking or an underlying cause like enlarged adenoids. Adverse effects of these habits can be avoided by early detection and intervention in a growing child. Tongue thrust can be treated in different ways with early diagnosis, removal of underlying causes, correcting tongue posture, and breaking of habit with the use of orthodontic appliances. This review article is focused on the various OMT techniques employed for the correction of tongue thrust. There are several exercises in OMT which can help a child with tongue thrust. These can be performed at home under the supervision of the child's parents. Orofacial myofunctional therapy has provided a dramatic and positive influence on patients treated for tongue thrust. The joy of eating, speaking, and correct breathing can be regained along with confidence, self-esteem, and improved quality of life. Clinically, OMT plays a positive role by not only improving swallow but also the posture of tongue, improper muscle function, and reduces relapse of previous orthodontic treatments. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Shah SS, Nankar MY, Bendgude VD, et al. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Tongue Thrust Habit: A Narrative Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):298-303.

Effects of Habit-Breaking Appliances on Tongue Movements during Deglutition in Children with Tongue Thrust Swallowing using Ultrasonography - A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the duration and range of tongue movements in tongue thrust swallow patterns with and without habit-breaking appliances using computer-aided M-mode ultrasound images. Also to record the corresponding position of the tongue associated with normal and tongue thrust swallowing pattern using B-mode ultrasound images. METHODOLOGY: Ten patients with mature swallow pattern, ten subjects with anterior tongue thrust (ATT) and ten patients with lateral tongue thrust (LTT) swallowing habit were analyzed for the duration and range of tongue movement using two-dimensional ultrasound M-mode images before and after insertion of three habit-breaking appliances (anterior tongue crib [ATC], double oral screen [DOS] and DeLuke oral trainer [DOT]). Further, B-mode images were examined for the tongue positions in different swallow patterns with and without appliances. RESULTS: Duration and range of tongue movement for the entire swallowing phase did not show a statistically significant difference for mature, ATT and LTT. Statistical significant difference existed in the duration between ATC and DOS with DOT for ATT patient (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference existed in the range of tongue movement between DOS and DOT in LTT patients (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Remarkable changes in the tongue position were observed postinsertion of DOT in both anterior and LTT swallow patterns where the tongue tip and anterior tongue dorsum shifted upward toward the anterior palate resembling that of a mature swallow pattern.

Cinco años de seguimiento de tratamiento no invasivo para lesiones auto-infligidas en un niño con parálisis cerebral / Five year follow-up of non-invasive treatment for self-inflicted oral trauma in a child with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cerebral palsy involves loss or impairment of motor function attributed to non-progressive disturbances occurring in the developing fetal or infant brain. Self-inflicted oral trauma is a recurrent parafunctional habit in individuals with cerebral palsy. Objective: Describe two treatment modes for self-inflicted oral trauma in a 6-year-old male patient with cerebral palsy over a 5-year follow-up period. Case presentation: The child had been having pain due to injuries to the mouth floor and lingual frenum regions. Initially, low-level laser therapy was applied to accelerate the healing process of the wounds. Five years later, the child started to present worse oral injuries and placement of a fixed oral appliance was proposed. Intraoral examination showed that the wounds had healed completely in response to the oral appliance. Conclusions: Different therapies may be useful to control the recurrence of self-inflicted oral injuries(AU)

RESUMEN Introducción: La parálisis cerebral provoca una pérdida o deterioro de la función motora atribuida a trastornos no progresivos del desarrollo cerebral fetal o infantil. La lesión autoinfligida es un hábito parafuncional recurrente en personas con parálisis cerebral. Objetivo: Describir dos modalidades de tratamiento para las lesiones autoinfligidas en un niño de 6 años de edad con parálisis cerebral durante un periodo de seguimiento de 5 años. Presentación del caso: El niño presentaba dolor debido a lesiones en la región del suelo de la boca y el frenillo lingual. Inicialmente se aplicó terapia con láser de baja intensidad para acelerar el proceso de cicatrización de las heridas. Cinco años más tarde el niño empezó a presentar lesiones bucales más severas, por lo que se propuso la colocación de un dispositivo oral fijo. El examen intraoral mostró que las lesiones habían cicatrizado completamente en respuesta al dispositivo oral instalado. Conclusiones: Diferentes terapias pueden ser útiles para controlar la recurrencia de las lesiones orales autoinfligidas(AU)

Poor oral habits and malocclusions after usage of orthodontic pacifiers: an observational study on 3-5 years old children.

BACKGROUND: Pacifier sucking habit has been associated in the literature with alterations of dental occlusion, and it could be a predisposing factor for other poor oral habits among children. Orthodontic pacifiers have been introduced in the market aiming to reduce these disadvantages caused by the conventional type of pacifiers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of poor oral habits and malocclusions, after usage of orthodontic pacifiers in children with primary dentition. METHODS: A sample of 198 pre-school children, aged 3-5 years, (96 males and 102 females) who had exclusively used an orthodontic pacifier were included in order to assess the level of poor oral habits and the absence/presence of dental malocclusion. Firstly, children's parents/legal guardians were given a validated questionnaire, then the children were clinically examined at a dental clinic. RESULTS: Most of the children (79.79%) had started using the orthodontic pacifier within the first 3 months of life, and the 43.49% of them continued using it over a period of 2 years. The recorded percentage for those who had used it throughout sleep was 89.39%. Mouth breathing during the night was reported for 36.04% of the children. Tongue thrust swallow affected 16.16% of the sample. The 5.56% of the data indicated the presence of fingersucking/thumbsucking habit. The noted percentages for children with lip biting, lingual interposition between teeth at rest and those with nail biting, were 5.56, 12.63 and 15.15%, respectively. The regression revealed a significant contribution between early start of using an orthodontic pacifier with the prevalence of fingersucking/thumbsucking (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.47, p = 0.0004). This also reported a noticeable increase of the malocclusion prevalence among the female gender (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.42-5.31), as well as those who were not exclusively breastfed (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.17-4.37). CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic pacifiers does not favor the development of poor oral habits, even if it has been used for a period of 2 years in children with primary dentition. Children who begin to use orthodontic pacifier between 0 and 3 months, are less likely to acquire fingersucking/thumbsucking habit. The use of an orthodontic pacifier appears not to be correlated with the prevalence of malocclusion in primary dentition, differently from what stated in literature about the conventional type of pacifier.

Maloclusiones dentarias y su relación con los hábitos bucales lesivos / Dental malocclusion and its relationship to harmful oral habits

RESUMEN Introducción: La ruptura del equilibrio de las fuerzas extrabucales e intrabucales debido a una función anómala, desencadena maloclusión. Estas funciones musculares anómalas se conocen como hábitos bucales lesivos. Objetivo: Actualizar conocimientos y analizar los factores relacionados con las maloclusiones dentarias como los hábitos bucales lesivos en niños, en función de la frecuencia y duración de la succión nutritiva y no nutritiva, respiración por la boca y el empuje lingual atípico. Métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en cuatro bases de datos digitales Pubmed, Lilacs, Ibecs y Cumed correspondiente a los últimos 5 años. Se usó tesauro para el idioma inglés malocclusion, habits, finger sucking, pacifiers, bottle feeding, tongue habit, mouth breathing y en español maloclusión, hábitos, succión del dedo, chupete, biberones, hábitos linguales, respiración por la boca. La búsqueda reveló 65 artículos, de estos solo 19 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Análisis e integración de la información: El 89,5 por ciento de los artículos pertenecen a estudios de hábitos de succión no nutritivos solo o en conjunto con otros hábitos; y el 10,5 por ciento realizan investigaciones en niños respiradores bucales. Teniendo en cuenta la duración y frecuencia de los hábitos solo el 26,31 por ciento de las pesquisas seleccionadas tomaron en cuenta estas variables. En hábitos de succión nutritivos presentaron resalte horizontal aumentado, mordida cruzada posterior y escalón distal. Existe una asociación entre períodos cortos de amamantamiento y prevalencia de hábitos de succión no nutritivos; presentan además de maloclusiones anteriormente citadas, mordida abierta anterior. En respiración por la boca citaron clase II, mandíbula corta y retruida y disminución del tercio inferior de la cara. Conclusiones: Numerosas investigaciones se han realizado para asociar la duración de los hábitos de succión nutritivos y no nutritivos con maloclusiones, sin considerar la frecuencia de estos, además existe una reducida información científica en las bases electrónicas exploradas en lo que refiere a estudios de respiración por la boca y empuje lingual atípico en los niños(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Malocclusion is triggered by rupture of the balance between extraoral and intraoral forces as a result of an anomalous function. Such anomalous muscular functions are known as harmful oral habits. Objective: Update knowledge and analyze factors related to dental malocclusions, such as harmful oral habits in children, in terms of the frequency and duration of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking, mouth breathing and atypical tongue thrust. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted of papers published in the last five years in the digital databases Pubmed, Lilacs, Ibecs and Cumed. The search terms used were malocclusion, habits, finger sucking, pacifiers, bottle feeding, tongue habit and mouth breathing in English, and maloclusión, hábitos, succión del dedo, chupete, biberones, hábitos linguales and respiración por la boca in Spanish. 65 papers were obtained, of which only 39 met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis and integration: 89.5 percent of the papers corresponded to studies about non-nutritive sucking habits alone or in combination with other habits, whereas 10.5 percent dealt with studies about mouth breathing children. Only 26.31 percent of the studies selected took into account the variables duration and frequency of the habits. Nutritive sucking habits were found to be associated with overjet, posterior crossbite and distal step. A relationship was also found between a short breastfeeding period and the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits, with the presence of anterior open bite alongside the aforementioned malocclusions. Mouth breathing was related to class II, small retrognathic jaw and a decreased lower third of the face. Conclusions: Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between malocclusions and the duration of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking habits, without considering the frequency of such habits. On the other hand, the electronic databases consulted contain few studies about mouth breathing and atypical tongue thrust in children(AU)

The effect of tongue thrusting on tongue pressure production during swallowing in adult anterior open bite cases.

BACKGROUND: Tongue thrusting, which often occurs during swallowing in patients with anterior open bite, is considered to show different tongue dynamics from healthy individuals, but the details are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the effect of tongue thrusting on tongue pressure production during swallowing in patients with anterior open bite. METHODS: The subjects were 11 patients with an anterior open bite and 8 healthy volunteers with individual normal occlusion. The patients were divided into a tongue-thrusting group (n = 8) and a non-thrusting group (n = 3). Tongue pressures while swallowing jelly (4 mL) were recorded by a sensor sheet system with five measuring points (Chs1-5) attached to the palatal mucosa. The time sequences, maximum magnitude and duration of tongue pressure, and swallowing time of tongue pressure were analysed. RESULTS: Tongue pressure waveforms in the tongue-thrusting group were quite diverse compared with the other two groups. The duration at the posterior-median part in the tongue-thrusting group was significantly shorter, and the maximum magnitudes at the mid-median, posterior-median and the peripheral part were also significantly lower than in the healthy group. These results suggest that the compensatory tongue thrust action by which the tongue closes the front part of the oral cavity may make it difficult to lift the tongue and transfer the bolus. CONCLUSION: Patients with an anterior open bite and tongue thrusting at swallowing showed diversity of tongue pressure waveforms and noticeably weaker tongue pressures from mid-median to posterior-median regions than healthy individuals.

Cultura sanitaria sobre hábitos bucales deformantes relacionados con el micrognatismo transversal superior. Escuela "Ciro Redondo". 2017 / Sanitary culture on buccal deforming habits related with the superior transverse micrognathism. School "Ciro Redondo".2017

RESUMEN Introducción: la salud bucal es parte integrante de la salud general, pues un individuo no puede considerarse completamente sano si existe presencia activa de enfermedad bucal. Objetivo: describir la cultura sanitaria sobre hábitos bucales deformantes relacionados con el micrognatismo transversal superior en escolares y padres de Cuarto Grado de la Escuela "Ciro Redondo" durante el año 2017. Método: se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo transversal sobre hábitos bucales deformantes relacionados con el micrognatismo transversal superior. El universo estuvo constituido por 112 estudiantes de 4to grado de la Escuela "Ciro Redondo" del municipio Bayamo, en el 2017. Todos formaron parte del estudio. Las variables estudiadas fueron: nivel de conocimiento, necesidades de aprendizaje, hábitos bucales deformantes y micrognatismo transversal superior, apoyados en métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. Resultados: el nivel de conocimiento fue inadecuado: 67,85 % en escolares y 81,25 % en padres, relacionado con las necesidades de aprendizaje sobre los hábitos: empuje lingual, respiración bucal, succión digital y posturas inadecuadas. El 100 % presentó hábitos bucales deformantes, de ellos el 40,18 % con micrognatismo transversal superior, predominando el sexo femenino. Conclusiones: el nivel de conocimiento fue inadecuado, con ligero predominio en el sexo femenino del micrognatismo transversal superior y la inadecuada cultura sanitaria en pacientes con hábitos deformantes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: oral health is an integral part of general health, because an individual cannot be considered completely healthy if there is an active presence of oral disease. Objective: to describe the sanitary culture on deforming oral habits related to the superior transverse micrognathism in schoolchildren and Fourth Grade parents of the "Ciro Redondo" School during the year 2017. Method: a cross-sectional descriptive study on deforming buccal habits related to superior transverse micrognathism was carried out. The universe was constituted by 112 students of 4th grade of the School "Ciro Redondo" of the Bayamo municipality, in 2017. They were all part of the study. The variables studied were: level of knowledge, learning needs, deforming oral habits and superior transverse micrognathism, supported by theoretical, empirical and statistical methods. Results: the level of knowledge was inadequate: 67.85% in schoolchildren and 81.25% in parents, related to the learning needs on habits: tongue thrust, mouth breathing, digital suction and inadequate postures. The 100% presented deforming oral habits, of them 40.18% with superior transverse micrognathism, predominantly female. Conclusions: the level of knowledge was inadequate, with a slight predominance in the female sex of the superior transverse micrognathism and the inadequate sanitary culture in patients with deforming habits.

Temporomandibular disorder and comorbid neck pain: facts and hypotheses regarding pain-induced and rehabilitation-induced motor activity changes.

According to the "pain adaptation model", temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related pain induces a paradoxical activity of masticatory muscles: an agonistic hypoactivity during jaw closing and an antagonistic activity during jaw opening (agonist/antagonist co-activation). However, this model suffers several weaknesses; notably, it does not explain all types of neck muscle activities in neck pain (NP), which is a very prevalent TMD comorbid condition. In NP, neck muscle antagonistic activity is increased, and agonistic activity is decreased as postulated by the pain adaptation model. However, synergistic and compensatory activity may occur and agonistic activity may be unchanged or even increased as postulated within the "vicious cycle theory". Thus, both theories would apply partly as outlined currently in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Besides pain, psychological stress may also induce motor dysfunction in TMD and NP. In NP, rehabilitation may increase agonistic activity and decrease compensatory activity and antagonistic activity, thus inducing a switch from agonist/antagonist co-activation towards reciprocal inhibition. Thus, rehabilitation-induced motor activity changes constitute a new research field that should improve MSD therapeutics. Additionally, immature tongue function (so-called infantile swallow) might be connected to TMD where low agonistic activity of masticatory muscles would be compensated by facial muscle hyperactivity during oropharyngeal phase of deglutition.

Associação entre hábitos orais deletérios e as estruturas e funções do sistema estomatognático: percepção dos responsáveis / Association between harmful oral habits and the structures and functions of the stomatognathic system: perception of parents/guardians

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a ocorrência e associar a presença dos hábitos orais deletérios com as estruturas e funções do Sistema Estomatognático, quanto aos aspectos de fala, oclusão e respiração, na percepção dos responsáveis. Método Estudo transversal, de caráter exploratório. A amostra, não probabilística, foi composta por 289 crianças de zero a 12 anos atendidas em uma unidade de estratégia de saúde da família. Os dados foram obtidos através de um questionário de identificação de hábitos deletérios aplicado com os responsáveis pelas crianças. Os resultados foram considerados a um nível de significância de 5% e as análises foram realizadas utilizando o programa SPSS versão 19.0 e o teste Quiquadrado de associação para análise das variáveis categóricas. Resultados O índice de aleitamento materno foi de 85%, entretanto, apenas 32,4% foram amamentados exclusivamente até os seis meses. Os hábitos mais prevalentes e mantidos atualmente foram a mamadeira (28,62%) e a chupeta (23,18%) convencional. Houve associação significativa (p=0,001) entre o fato de a criança permanecer com a boca aberta e respirar de modo oral e oronasal. A presença de hábitos como a mamadeira (p=0,016) e a chupeta (p=0,001) ortodôntica estava relacionada ao modo respiratório relatado. O tempo de manutenção dos hábitos estava associado à percepção da presença de alterações na fala (p=0,046); e oclusais (p=0,014). Conclusão A presença e a manutenção de hábitos orais deletérios mostraram-se associadas à percepção da presença de alterações nas estruturas e funções do Sistema Estomatognático de alterações de oclusão, respiração e fala, representando parcela importante da demanda por reabilitação.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the occurrence and associate the presence and duration of harmful oral habits with the structures and functions of the stomatognathic system. Methods This is a cross-sectional, exploratory study. Participants’ participation was formalized by the signing of an Informed Consent Form. The non-probabilistic sample comprised 289 children aged one to 12 years assisted at a Family Health Strategy unit. The data were obtained through a questionnaire to identify harmful oral habits applied to the children’s parents and/or guardians. The results were considered at 5% level of significance. The statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 19.0 software and the chi-squared association test was employed to investigate the categorical variables. Results The breastfeeding rate found was 85%; however, only 32.4% of the children were exclusively breastfed until six months of age. The most prevalent habits and those currently maintained were use of conventional bottle (28.62%) and conventional pacifier (23.18%). Significant correlation (p=0.001) was found between keeping the mouth open and oral and oronasal breathing. The presence of habits such as using orthodontic bottle (p=0.016) and orthodontic pacifier (p=0.001) was associated with the breathing mode reported. Habit duration was associated with the perception of changes in speech (p=0.046) and with malocclusion (p=0.014). Conclusion The presence and duration of harmful oral habits were associated with the perception of changes in the structures and functions of the stomatognathic system regarding occlusion, breathing, and speech, accounting for a significant portion of the demand for rehabilitation.

Intervención de salud bucal en escolares con hábitos deformantes bucales / Oral Health Intervention in School-age Children with Oral Habits

Fundamento: las maloclusiones constituyen un importante problema de salud bucal y se asocian fundamentalmente a la práctica de hábitos deformantes bucales no eliminados en edades tempranas. Objetivo: analizar la efectividad de una intervención educativa aplicada en niños de cinco a once años, con hábitos deformantes bucales. Métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental con intervención antes y después, realizado desde octubre de 2008 a abril de 2009, que incluyó niños portadores de hábitos deformantes bucales en las edades de cinco a once años pertenecientes a la escuela primaria Guerrillero Heroico del Área II del Municipio Cienfuegos. Los padres o representantes firmaron el consentimiento informado para la participación en la investigación. Se aplicaron medidas educativas preventivas y terapéuticas. Se evaluó el resultado de la intervención mediante una entrevista aplicada antes y después a los niños, padres o tutores y educadores. Resultados: se logró elevar el nivel de conocimiento de los niños, padres y educadores de forma significativa, así como la eliminación de los hábitos deformantes en la mayoría de los niños, principalmente la protacción lingual, el uso de biberón y tete; se obtuvieron mejores resultados en las féminas. Las anomalías dentomaxilofaciales disminuyeron después de aplicada la intervención, fundamentalmente la inclinación vestibular de incisivos superiores y el resalte aumentado. Conclusiones: la intervención educativa en escolares de cinco a once años contribuyó a eliminar hábitos bucales deformantes.

Background: malocclusions are considered a major oral health problem and they are mostly associated with oral habits which are not corrected at an early age.Objective: to analyze the effectiveness of an educational intervention in children with oral habits aged 5 to 11 years.Methods: a before and after intervention study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted from October 2008 to April 2009. It included children with oral habits aged 5 to 11 years who attend the Guerrillero Heroico Primary School of the Area II in the municipality of Cienfuegos. Parents and guardians signed the consent for their children participation in the research. Preventive and therapeutic educational measures were used. The results of the intervention were assessed through a before-and-after interview with children, parents or guardians and educators. Results: the level of awareness of children, parents and teachers increased significantly as well as the correction of oral habits in the majority of children, especially tongue thrusting, the use of feeding bottle and pacifier. Better results were found in females. Dentomaxillofacial deformities diminished after the intervention, primarily upper incisors deviated towards the oral vestibule and increased overjet. Conclusions: educational intervention in school-age children contributed to the correction of oral habits.

Hábitos orales en niños de 6-10 años de la escuela itsin de san juan de pasto

Introducción: Los hábitos orales son acciones repetidas en la cavidad oral, algunas de ellos pueden originar parafunciones. Estos son actos conscientes que pueden pasar a actos inconscientes. Algunos de ellos son innatos del individuo, y otros adquiridos. Según algunas investigaciones, reportes, análisis estadísticos y control de variables de diferentes países, características ambientales, sociales, culturales, pueden influir en la prevalencia de hábitos orales en niños. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de hábitos orales en niños. Metodología: Se diseñó un tipo de estudio descriptivo de corte transversal donde se evaluaron 511 escolares de estrato bajo de 6 a 10 años de la Escuela ITSIN de San Juan de Pasto y se tomaron variables como edad y género. Resultados: 186 niños (36%) tuvieron hábitos orales, de estos 43% fueron niñas y 57% niños. Según edad, los hábitos orales fueron más frecuentes en niños de 8 años. Con respecto a género, la interposición lingual fue más frecuente en niñas y la onicofagia en niños. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de hábitos orales en estos niños fue menor en relación con otras comunidades, sin embargo, se recalca que estos se presentan en mayores edades en comparación con otros estudios.

Introduction: The oral habits are repeated actions in the mouth; some of them might cause parafunctions. They are also conscious acts that could become unconscious at some point. Some of them are innate in the individuals and others are acquired. According to some researches, reports, statistical analysis and variables control in different countries; environmental, social, and cultural characteristics may influence on the prevalence of oral habits in children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral habits in children at ITSIN elementary school from San Juan de Pasto, Nariño. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate 511 low-income children from 6 to 10 years old. Variables such as age and gender were used. Results: 186 children (36%) had oral habits. 43% of these were girls and 57% were boys. According to age, oral habits were more frequent in 8 year-old children. Regarding the gender, tongue thrust was more common in girls and oral habits such as onychophagia was more frequent in boys. Conclusions: The prevalence of oral habits in these children was less than in other communities; however, these habits were presented in older children in comparison to other studies.