Abstract
ObjectivesNon-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a common behavior in childhood. The association between digit sucking, dental caries and oral health has been studied with inconclusive results. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of, and the association between digit sucking, caries and oral hygiene status of children age six months to 12 years, resident in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State. Data were collected through a household survey using a multi-stage sampling procedure from children between six months and 12 years. Details of each child’s socio-demographic characteristics, digit sucking habits, caries status and oral health status were collected. The association between digit sucking, caries status and oral hygiene status was determined using Chi square and Logistic regression.ResultsThe mean age of the 992 study participants was 5.8 ± (3.2) years. The prevalence of digit sucking, caries and poor oral hygiene were 7.2%, 10.5% and 2.4% respectively. The mean dmft score was 0.22 ± (0.80), mean DMFT score was 0.04 ± (0.30) while mean Oral Hygiene Index score was 1.27 ± (0.73). Digit sucking increased the odds of having caries (OR: 1.28; CI: 0.58–2.81) but decreased the odds of having poor oral hygiene (OR: 0.58; CI: 0.34–1.01) insignificantly.ConclusionsDigit sucking was not a significant predictor of caries and oral hygiene status, although the odds of having caries increased while the odds of having poor oral hygiene decreased with digit sucking.
Highlights
A habit is an inclination or aptitude for some action acquired by frequent repetition, showing itself in increased facility to performance and reduced power of resistance [1]
Digit sucking increased the odds of having caries (OR: 1.28; CI: 0.58–2.81) but decreased the odds of having poor oral hygiene (OR: 0.58; CI: 0.34– 1.01) insignificantly
Digit sucking was not a significant predictor of caries and oral hygiene status, the odds of having caries increased while the odds of having poor oral hygiene decreased with digit sucking
Summary
A habit is an inclination or aptitude for some action acquired by frequent repetition, showing itself in increased facility to performance and reduced power of resistance [1]. One of the commonest oral habits is sucking, a reflex present at birth, oral contractions and other sucking reflexes have been observed before birth [2]. The commonest form of non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is digit sucking [3, 4]. Several studies have evaluated its etiological factors and suggest that fatigue, boredom, excitement, hunger, fear, physical and emotional stress, and insufficient satisfaction of sucking need in infancy are situations that could stimulate digit sucking habits. Sucking may provide happiness and a sense of security when a child faces difficult times [5, 6]. It may give a feeling of warmth and contentment [7]
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