PROFILE OF NEWBORNS WITH LACK OF LIP SEALING AND PRESENCE OF MIXED BREATHING IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF TOCANTINS, BRAZIL

PROFILE OF NEWBORNS WITH LACK OF LIP SEALING

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory function is fundamental for humans and is the first established at birth. Mixed breathing is characterized by mouth and nasal breathing, and may occur due to nasal obstruction or acquired habit. Objective: This study aims to verify the profile of newborns with mixed breathing in those evaluated at the maternity hospital of the reference hospital in the southern region of the State of Tocantins, Brazil. Methodology: This is a retrospective documentary study of the Oral Health Promotion Program "Boquinha do Bebê", which conducted quantitative data collection in 1,198 newborns, in a total of 198 visits to the Maternal Infant Hospital of Gurupi from 2017 to 2019. Results: From the total sample, 5% (n=60) of these children with a lack of lip sealing with mixed breathing were found. Their mothers had a mean age of 24±5.87. Of all the children examined, only 5% had some nasal obstruction. The language in general (92%), presented incorrect posture with a lower position to facilitate the entry of air through the mouth. Most mothers (95%) did not notice that the child was lacking lip sealing, breathing through the mouth. Conclusion: It is concluded that it is important to collect epidemiological data of respiratory alterations early, and the data of this study demonstrated that the parents, at the birth of their child, do not perceive these oral alterations, and may establish a dysfunction that may cause several disorders in the health of this child, if no intervention is performed.