The thumb-sucking habit: Meaningful or empty?

Abstract

1. 1. It is important to be patient with and tolerant toward the thumb-sucking child. If we understand his desire for security, even at the risk of failing to correct thumb-sucking, we may gain something even more important—the development of an emotionally secure, well-balanced person who will pass on understanding and love. 2. 2. Thumb-sucking is a normal phenomenon for the first 2 years of an infant's life. During this period it should not be discouraged. 3. 3. It is impossible to establish one correct time when corrective procedures should be started. Generally speaking, if thumb-sucking continues after the child is 3 1 2 years of age, orthodontic treatment can be undertaken. 4. 4. Before corrective procedures are initiated, it is important to determine whether the thumb-sucking is a meaningful or an empty habit. Communication with the patient by the parents, the family dentist, the pediatrician, and the family physician is essential. Consultation with a psychiatrist also may be indicated. 5. 5. A meaningful habit is a psychological problem and must be treated as such. An empty habit can and should be treated by a dentist from the dental approach, that is, with a habit reminder. 6. 6. The function of a habit reminder is to assist the patient who wants to be helped. A habit reminder cannot break the habit by itself without the patient's cooperation and sincere desire to discontinue sucking his thumb. 7. 7. Fixed or removable habit-reminder appliances in the mouth, if allowed to remain too long, may inhibit normal growth and development of the dental arches. 8. 8. Criticism of a thumb-sucker by his playmates sometimes can be most effective. 9. 9. It is the moral obligation and responsibility of every dentist to become knowledgeable concerning the thumb-sucking problem so that he can recognize what needs to be done. 10. 10. One should condemn the thumb-sucking habit, not the child.