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JIDAM · Vol 9, Issue 4 · October–December 2022
Review Article

Thumb Sucking – A Threat

Dr. Srivikasni.J, Dr. Subatharani.A, Dr. Agisha Prabhakeran, Dr. Mahesh Kumar.P
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India
Vol 9 · Issue 4 · 2022 DOI: 10.37841/jidam_2022_V9_I4_06 Open Access December 2022
4
Authors
10
References
2022
Year Published
📝Abstract

Oral habits is a part of human development. Habit is a fixed practice produced by constant repetition of an act. Oral habits are habits which are acquired temporarily or permanently in children which is harmful to dental structures. Thumb sucking is considered to be normal upto four to five years of age. Thumb sucking is an innate reflex and one of the most common security and self soothing mechanisms. The article elaborates on the various thumb sucking habits, their etiology, classification, clinical findings, prevention and management.

KEYWORDS: Thumb sucking, Oral Health

📝Introduction

Habit is defined as a fixed practice produced by constant repetition of an act. Oral habits are habits which are acquired temporarily or permanently in children which is harmful to dental structures. A habit is a repetitive action that is being done automatically. It can range from benign transient habits to significant problematic habits.

Thumb sucking is defined as the 'Placement of thumb or one or more fingers in various depths into the mouth or oral cavity'. Thumb sucking is considered to be normal upto four to five years of age. Thumb sucking is an innate reflex and one of the most common security and self soothing mechanisms. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may also induce sleep. If thumb sucking occurs over a period of longer duration it may affect the growth and alignment of teeth.

Classification:

  • Active: When there is heavy force by the muscles and if this habit continues the position of permanent teeth and the shape of mandible affected.
  • Passive: The child puts his/her finger in the mouth but there is no force acting on teeth and mandible.
📝Clinical Findings and Management

Intraoral Findings: Habit of prolonged sucking beyond the age of 5 years leads to various types of malocclusion like open bite, crossbite, increased overjet, crowding, lingually positioned lower incisors, anterior open bite, narrow upper arch. Speech problems, including mispronouncing T and D, lisping, and thrusting out the tongue when talking can be seen.

Management:

  • Preventive therapy: Never let the habit to be started. Feed the child in natural way.
  • Psychological therapy: Time out, positive reinforcement, counselling.
  • Chemical method: Application of foul tasting things on the thumb.
  • Mechanotherapy: Intraoral appliances like palatal crib, Blue grass appliance; Extraoral appliances like RURS elbow guard.
📝Conclusion

Thumb sucking terminates spontaneously between 2-4 years of age. Overall prognosis is benign. Frequency of Thumb sucking habit appears to be less in cases of breast feeding, use of pacifier in children. Parents are not aware of the harmful oral habits and their effects. Therefore dentist should provide information to the parents about the harmful oral habits, their types and their ill effects and how to manage and treat oral habits.

🔖How to Cite
Srivikasni J, Subatharani A, Prabhakeran A, Kumar MP. Thumb Sucking – A Threat. J Indian Dent Assoc Madras. 2022;9(4). DOI: 10.37841/jidam_2022_V9_I4_06
Srivikasni, J., Subatharani, A., Prabhakeran, A., & Kumar, M. P. (2022). Thumb sucking – A threat. Journal of Indian Dental Association Madras, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.37841/jidam_2022_V9_I4_06
Srivikasni, J., Subatharani A., Agisha Prabhakeran, and Mahesh Kumar P. "Thumb Sucking – A Threat." Journal of Indian Dental Association Madras, vol. 9, no. 4, 2022. DOI: 10.37841/jidam_2022_V9_I4_06.
Srivikasni J, Subatharani A, Prabhakeran A, Kumar MP. Thumb sucking – A threat. J Indian Dent Assoc Madras. 2022;9(4). doi:10.37841/jidam_2022_V9_I4_06
Srivikasni, J., Subatharani, A., Agisha Prabhakeran, and Mahesh Kumar P. "Thumb Sucking – A Threat." Journal of Indian Dental Association Madras 9, no. 4 (2022). https://doi.org/10.37841/jidam_2022_V9_I4_06.
📚References
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