Feeding and nonnutritive sucking habits and prevalence of open bit and cross-bite in children/adolescents with Down Syndrome.

Resident: Roberts

Date: 6/15/11

Article: Feeding and nonnutritive sucking habits and prevalence of open bit and cross-bite in children/adolescents with Down Syndrome.

Journal: Angle Orthodontist

Volume: 80 No. 4

Year: 2010

pages: 748-753

Objective: To analyze the influence of breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and nonnutritive sucking habits on the prevalence of open bit and anterior/posterior cross-bite in children with Down Syndrome.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in 112 pairs of mothers/children with Down Syndrome between 3 and 18 years of age in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The children with DS were clinically examined for the presence of open bite as well as anterior and posterior cross-bite. Information on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and nonnutritive sucking habits was collected using a structured questionnaire. The control variables were age and mouth posture of children/adolescents and mother’s schooling. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression.

Results: The prevalence of anterior open bite was 21% anterior cross-bite was 33% and posterior cross-bite was 31%. The use of bottle feeding for more than 24 months and pacifier sucking form more than 24 months were associated with the prevalence of anterior cross-bite. Finger sucking and the use of bottle feeding for ore than 24 months were associated with posterior cross-bite.

Conclusion: The prevalence of open-bite and cross-bite in children with DS was associated with the use of bottle feeding and pacifier sucking for more than 24 months, breastfeeding for less than 6 months and finger sucking.