Oral Habits and Nasal Symptoms in Chilean Children With Cleft Lip and Palate

This study aimed to characterize the symptoms of nasal obstruction and oral habits in Chilean preschool children with repaired cleft lip and palate, as well as their relationship with oral health-related quality of life.

Caregivers of 28 children (mean age=50.8±10.2 mo) were surveyed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Questionnaire, Unhealthy Oral Habits Identification Instrument, and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS).

The results showed that 82.1% had dental alterations, 71.4% experienced speech difficulties, 53.6% were not breastfed. Symptoms of nasal obstruction symptoms included mouth breathing in 42.9% of the children, difficulty blowing their noses in 35.7%, and snoring in 32.1%. In addition, 39.3% reported concentration problems, and 75% received comments about their pronunciation. The primary oral habit identified was the use of a common pacifier with a bottle, reported by 64.3% of the children for over 2 to 3 years, along with a preference for liquid foods in 57.1%. The ECOHIS also revealed feelings of anger and frustration among the children, which impacted family concerns, guilt, time management, and finances. A multiple correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between nasal obstruction symptoms and increased difficulties in sleeping and eating, as well as a reduced quality of life.

The main findings highlighted mouth breathing, difficulty blowing the nose, snoring, and the use of a pacifier with a bottle, which affected both functional and emotional domains. Although limited by sample size and lack of control for confounding variables, these results underscore the need for further research using more robust designs.