THUMB SUCKING

Definition: Thumb Sucking is defined as placement of thumb or 1 or more finger in varying depth into the mouth.
Aetiology: Phases: Effects:
• It depends on amount of TIME spent
indulging, FREQUENCY of the habit and
INTENSITY by which habit is performed
• Some effects are:
1. Labial tipping of maxillary incisors
Prolonged suckling Phase 1: First 3 year 2. Overjet
3. Anterior open bite
4. Posterior cross bite
5. Hypotonic lips

Rooting reflex Phase 2: 3-6 years Management:

• PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH
1. Child Motivation
2. Dunlop beta hypothesis
• MECHANICAL AIDS
Social adjustment Phase 3: Beyond
1. Removable habit breaker
and stress 5th years of age consist of crib
2. Fixed habit breaker
Diagnosis: • CHEMICAL APPROACH
• Psychological components  Bitter and foul preparation
• Frequency and duration of habit placed on thumb
• Feeding pattern