EFFECTS OF PROLONGED USE OF PACIFIERS AND BABY BOTTLES ON OCCLUSION AND ORAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN

Abstract

In primary health care, individuals are often dissatisfied with their oral health, whether for aesthetic or functional reasons. Many of these changes originate in childhood and are influenced by harmful habits acquired early on. The use of pacifiers and bottles is widespread among children, often encouraged by health professionals, family members or even by maternal decision. This study aims to establish a correlation between the main oral changes in children resulting from the prolonged use of pacifiers and bottles, aiming at strategies to prevent these habits. To this end, a literature review was conducted based on scientific articles, books and institutional documents. The findings indicate that the main repercussions of this use include impairment of respiratory and phonatory functions, changes in dental occlusion, swallowing difficulties, underdevelopment of the jaw bones, open bite and baby bottle tooth decay. Guidance on the adverse effects of using pacifiers and baby bottles should be incorporated into the routine of health professionals from prenatal care, along with an emphasis on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. For this approach to be effective, it is essential that the professionals involved have adequate training on the consequences of prolonged use of these devices and act in an integrated manner, favoring a multidisciplinary approach that includes both prevention and appropriate treatment or proper referral of cases.