International Journal of Oral Health Sciences and Advances

The detrimental effects of prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits in children on the developing oral structures are often the primary focus of dental professionals. The development and maturation of normal oropharyngeal function plays an important role in craniofacial growth and occlusal physiology. Any muscular imbalance caused by intrinsic or extrinsic pressure will show their effect on the growing bone which will result in malocclusion. One of the important factors resulting in malocclusion is oral habit practiced by a child. However, non-nutritive sucking with a pacifier has other consequences that include not only harmful effect but positive influences as well. Public health policies should be adopted to encourage a longer duration of breastfeeding, thereby contributing towards reducing the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite.