Abstract

NARVAEZ SIERRA, María Fernanda; MUNOZ ERASO, Yolima Alicia; VILLOTA BRAVO, Carlos David  and  MAFLA CHAMORRO, Ana Cristina. ORAL HABITS IN 6-10 YEARS CHILDREN FROM THE ITSIN SCHOOL OF PASTO. Univ. Salud [online]. 2010, vol.12, n.1, pp.27-33. ISSN 0124-7107.

Introduction: The oral habits are repeated actions in the mouth; some of them might cause parafunctions. They are also conscious acts that could become unconscious at some point. Some of them are innate in the individuals and others are acquired. According to some researches, reports, statistical analysis and variables control in different countries; environmental, social, and cultural characteristics may influence on the prevalence of oral habits in children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral habits in children at ITSIN elementary school from San Juan de Pasto, Nariño. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate 511 low-income children from 6 to 10 years old. Variables such as age and gender were used. Results: 186 children (36%) had oral habits. 43% of these were girls and 57% were boys. According to age, oral habits were more frequent in 8 year-old children. Regarding the gender, tongue thrust was more common in girls and oral habits such as onychophagia was more frequent in boys. Conclusions: The prevalence of oral habits in these children was less than in other communities; however, these habits were presented in older children in comparison to other studies.

Keywords : Habits; finger sucking; nail biting; tongue habits; child.

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