Search

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the duration and type of digit sucking habits (thumb or finger) on the dental arch dimensions of children with digit sucking habit; and compare the findings with children without the habit. A cross-sectional sucking behaviour data was collected on 250 school children aged 3 to 5 years using questionnaires completed by parents. Dental arch parameters including arch widths and arch depths were measured directly from the models obtained from the children and compared using t-test and ANOVA. The results indicated reduced maxillary arch widths (P < 0.001), increased maxillary arch depths (P = 0.009), reduced mandibular canine arch depth (P = 0.004) in those with digit sucking habits compared with the controls. Thumb sucking showed a significant reduction in intercanine widths and mandibular molar arch depth when compared with finger sucking. There was no statistically significant association between duration of digit habits and changes in dental arch depths. In addition, some changes in the dental arch parameters persisted well beyond the cessation of the digit habit. The results suggest a need for recommendations for discontinuing these habits that will be optimal in preventing digit sucking related malocclusion.

An increased prevalence of the digit sucking habit among Nigerian children has been reported. Certain factors are believed to influence its occurrence. This study was carried out to assess these factors and determine possible correlation with the onset and persistence of the habit. The sample population consisted of 81 children--52 females and 29 males aged 3-16 years who were still actively digit sucking. Findings in this group were compared with a control group made up of 80 children aged 2-16 years who were not digit suckers and had no history of the habit. Results showed no correlation between mode of infant feeding and the digit sucking habit. The duration of breast-feeding was found to have a significant effect on the habit. About 79% of non-suckers had been breast-fed for more than 6 months while only 43.2% of digit suckers were breast-fed for the same duration. The digit sucking habit was observed more frequently in children with mothers in high cadre occupations (53.1%) compared to non-suckers (23.8%). More digit suckers (22.2%) than non-suckers (12.5%) were reported to have a history of pacifier use. Neither family size nor position of the child in the family had a significant effect on the occurrence of the habit. In addition, 48.1% of the sample population had siblings with the same habit compared to 16.2% of the controls. The identification of significant factors may be useful in targeting interventions in order to prevent consequences of the prolonged habit.

Digit (thumb or finger) sucking is the most common oral habit, frequently seen among young children. With an increase in the prevalence of the oral habit in Nigeria in recent years there should be an expected increase in the dentofacial effects of the habit. In this study 81 children, 29 males and 52 females aged 3-16 years were examined. Each child was still actively engaged in the digit sucking habit. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups--3-6 years, 7-10 years and 11 years and above. The dentofacial effects of the habit on each subject were assessed. Increased overjet was observed in 63-705 of the children in the different age groups while the occurrence of anterior open bite ranged from 33.3% to 80% declining in frequency with increase in age. Unilateral posterior crossbite was observed in 8.65 of children while no case of bilateral crossbite was observed. Lip incompetence occurred in 51.8% of children examined, occurring most frequently in the oldest age group. Class 2 skeletal pattern was observed in 22.2% of the sample population. Results show that malocclusion is a frequent result of digit sucking especially when prolonged. There is a need to increase social awareness of the detrimental effects of this habit and if necessary offer alternative non-nutritive sucking methods.