THE INFLUENCE OF DELETERIOUS ORAL HABITS ON THE ETIOLOGY OF MALOCCLUSIONS IN CHILDREN: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood occlusion develops through interactions among genetic factors, craniofacial growth, oral functions, and environmental conditions. Persistent habits, including pacifier and digit sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and object biting, may alter muscular and dentoalveolar balance. Objective: To analyze recent scientific evidence on associations between deleterious oral habits and childhood malocclusion, considering exposure duration, occlusal patterns, and preventive implications. Methods: This descriptive, qualitative literature review was guided by a PECO research question. Ten original studies published between 2021 and 2026 were purposively selected, focusing on children in the primary or mixed dentition and occlusal outcomes. Study characteristics were organized in a comparative table and synthesized narratively, without meta-analysis. Results: Nonnutritive sucking habits were associated with anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and increased overjet. Mouth breathing, dysfunctional swallowing, and tongue posture were also related to occlusal changes and greater orthodontic treatment needs in certain samples. Habit persistence, age, and coexisting exposures influenced the findings. Conclusion: Persistent oral habits are potentially modifiable factors associated with childhood malocclusion, although they do not independently explain its multifactorial etiology. Early dental monitoring, family guidance, and functional assessment support individualized preventive care.