INFLUENCE OF PROLONGED USE OF PACIFIERS AND BOTTLES ON CHILDREN’S TEETH

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health is essential for children's quality of life and is influenced by harmful oral habits that can cause craniofacial changes and malocclusion in the primary dentition. Sucking habits, such as the use of bottles and pacifiers, are significant risk factors. Objective: to investigate the influence of prolonged use of pacifiers and bottles on children's dentition, analyzing how these habits affect children's dental development and oral health.Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review, which has "What are the long-term effects of prolonged use of pacifiers and bottles on children's oral health and dental development? What strategies can be renewed to promote the reduction of these harmful habits?" as a guiding question, in addition, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. Results: using descriptors in Sciences and Health - DECS, 26 articles were found. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 were selected. It is essential that health education strategies be discussed in order to prevent obvious problems associated with the prolonged use of pacifiers and baby bottles. Conclusion: impacts of prolonged use of pacifiers and baby bottles on the development of children's teeth, highlighting associations with malocclusions and craniofacial alterations. Prevention and early diagnosis are essential to minimize the negative effects of these habits and promote adequate oral health from childhood.