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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Author Spotlight: Implications of Non-Nutritive Sucking on Speech Emergence and Infant Development
Published on: April 19, 2024
Association between Non-nutritive sucking habits and Anterior open bite: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Chong Gao1, Miaoran Wang2, Hairong He3
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 373, West Xueyuan Road, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
Objective:
Determine the association between nun-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite in children.
Materials And Methods:
This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic searched of four databases was conducted through the end of February 2025. Study designs included observational and interventional studies. Nun-nutritive sucking habits was evaluated in three categories: (1) ever versus never; (2) longer periods versus shorter periods; (3) daily versus not daily. We considered anterior open bite as the outcome. Based on meta-analyses, the pooled adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. We assessed heterogeneity with both Q-test and I-square. An assessment of publication bias was conducted using funnel plots and Egger's test.
Result:
Thirty three studies were included in this meta-analysis. We found that NNSH (eg, pacifier sucking and digit sucking) was associated with varying risks of developing anterior open bite (p < 0.01). Children with longer non-nutritive habits (for example, pacifier sucking and digit sucking) had a greater risk of developing anterior open bite than those with shorter habits. (p < 0.05) In addition, daily pacifier user has been linked to increased risk of developing anterior open bites. [N = 3, OR = 10.22 (5.36,19.49), p < 0.05].
Conclusion:
In conclusion, prolonged and daily non-nutritive sucking habits, such as pacifier and digit sucking, are associated with a significantly increased risk of anterior open bite in children.
Clinical Relevance:
Thus, this study provides clinical support on early orthodontic treatment of AOB to inform preventative and management strategies.
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