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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Non-Nutritive Suck Parameters Measurements Using a Custom Pressure Transducer System
Published on: April 19, 2024
Effects of feeding on non-nutritive sucking habits and implications on occlusion in mixed dentition
Luisa Montaldo1, Paolo Montaldo, Pasquale Cuccaro
1Department of Dentistry, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. lmontaldo@libero.it
Background:
Several studies have determined the effects of non-nutritive sucking habits on malocclusions, but provided conflicting results.
Aim:
To analyse the influence of infant feeding In the presence of non-nutritive sucking habits in children after the first year of life and to assess the effects of non-nutritive sucking habits on occlusion in mixed dentition.
Design:
Data were collected by self-reported questionnaire and confirmed by personal interview. Parents of 1451 children (aged 7-11) were asked about their children's infant feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits. A clinical evaluation of dental arches included classification of molar relationship (Angle classification), presence or absence of crossbite and open bite.
Results:
Children with bottle or complementary feeding showed a higher risk of acquiring non-nutritive sucking habits after the first year of life (P < 0.01). Non-nutritive sucking habits are associated with a greater risk of crossbite, open bite, Class II molar relationship (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
Parents should be educated about benefits of the exclusive breast feeding in the first 6 months of age on mixed dentition. The activity of non-nutritive sucking should be diagnosed in a timely manner in order to reduce the development of posterior crossbite, anterior open bite, and Class II molar relationship.
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