THUMBSUCKING

OUTLINE

• Introduction
• Effects of thumbsucking
• Dental problems associated with Thumbsucking
• Physical effects of Thumbsucking
• Prevention
• What to do

its a behavior not only found in humans and chimpanzees but also other primates.

usually involves placing the thumb or any part of the body into the mouth with repeated rhythmically sucking usual for an extended duration of time.

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-Babies are born with a sucking reflex which is responsible for breastfeeding.
-infants then learn that not only can the habit provide nourishment they derive a great deal of pleasure, comfort and warmth whether from the mother, bottle or pacifier.

ultra sound scans have revealed thumbsucking can start before birth, as early as 15weeks from conception.

this reflex disappears at about 4months of age, but can last longer as thumbsucking is not purely an instinctive behaviour.

overtime, once nutritional sucking has been weaned off, there can develop alternative means of receiving these very same physical and emotional fulfillments which could be very strong, self soothing and pleasurable.

thumbsucking generally stops by the age of 5years but some older children will retain the habit much into adulthood.

most dentist would recommend breaking the habit as early as possible, since thumbsucking posses severe dental problems if not well handled.

ANTERIOR OPEN BITE.

As long as the habit is broken before the onset of permanent teeth, at about 5-6years old, the damage is reversible.

Thumbsucking in adulthood could be attributed to

*Habit continuation
*Stereotypic movement
*Psychiatric disorder

Thumbsucking in childhood could be attributed to:-
*Tiredness
*Scared
*Bored
*Sickness
*Adjusting to challenges
*Fall asleep at bedtime

DENTAL PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THUMBSUCKING

-Most children stop thumbsucking, pacifiers or other objects at between 2- 4years of age.

-No harm is done to the teeth or jaws until the permanent teeth starts to erupt, so its potentially dangerous when thumbsucking extends beyond 6-8years of age.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF
THUMBSUCKING

*Affects the shape of the oral cavity and dentition.
*Anterior open bite.
*High arched palate caused by the buccinator.
*Labially inclined maxillary central incisors.
*Lingually or buccally inclined mandibular incisors due to the thumb resting during sucking.

*Infection from communicable disease under the fingernails.
*Social difficulties:-- Speechdefects
-Tauting,
-Bullying,
-Rejection by groups of peers,
-Subjected to ridicule by peers,
-Psychological stress.

PREVENTION

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-To prevent thumbsucking, pepper, the vegetables "ugwu" or "bitter leaf" on the thumbs have been used in the past.
-Bandages and plaster on the thumbs have also been used.
-"Skyrakes", otherwise called "Tongue rakes" are cemented to the child's molars have been used since the 1950's

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WHAT TO DO

*First step is to ignore them. most will stop on their own.
*Harsh words, teasing, punishment are contraindicated in habit breaking.
*Praise or reward your child when he does not suck.
*Handcrafts are also another way to keep the hands busy.

*Always find the time to explain to your child the reasons for your action.
*Visit your pediatrician once you noticed there is change in aligment of his/her teeth or high palate.

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