CRANIOFACIAL DEVELOPMENT AND BONE DEFORMITIES ASSOCIATED WITH HARMFUL ORAL HABITS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Craniofacial development is a delicate process that can be influenced by external factors, such as detrimental oral habits in children. These habits, although common in childhood, can have implications for the formation and growth of facial bones. Bone deformities not only affect aesthetics and oral function but can also lead to emotional and physiological complications. Objective: To analyze the importance of studying craniofacial development, bone deformities, and their relationship with detrimental oral habits. Method: Integrative review, based on the search for scientific articles in the BVS, PubMed, and Scielo databases using the descriptors: "Bone Development," "Malocclusion," "Fingersucking," "Pacifiers," and "Habits." Results: From the analysis of the selected articles, it was evident that prolonged natural breastfeeding, as recommended, is associated with the prevention of vicious oral habits. Among the malocclusions reported in the studies, the most prevalent were anterior open bite and posterior crossbite. Conclusion: Prolonged non-nutritive sucking is significantly related to occlusion, leading to the incidence of abnormal child dental alignment. Therefore, early guidance and appropriate interventions are crucial to minimize the impact of these habits.