THUMB SUCKING‘CHILD HIDING BEHIND HIS THUMB’- MULTIROOTED APPROACH AND MANAGEMENT

Pratibha Krishnan*, Dr. Seema Chaudhary, Dr. Chaitra Ravishankar and Rishita Hari

ABSTRACT

Infants tend to have a habit of thumb sucking which is considered normal till a particular age. After the age of 4 years, it is believed to cause malocclusion in children. Intensity, frequency and duration are most important factors that determine the magnitude of effect of thumb sucking on the oral structures. There are various theories supporting the habit. To intercept the habit, multiple approaches are considered in respect to the preventive, psychological, chemical and mechanical aspect. The purpose of this article is to review through the cause, psychological aspect, types, and treatment methods with different appliances in managing the habit.

Keywords: Digit sucking, Thumb sucking, Malocclusion, Palatal crib, Thumb guard.