Pediatrics Book

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Thumb Sucking

Aka: Thumb Sucking
  1. Physiology
    1. Thumb Sucking is an innate reflex
    2. Self-soothing method in infants
  2. Epidemiology: Incidence
    1. Thumb Sucking extinguishes by 2-4 years spontaneously in most children
  3. Management: Methods to extinguish persistent Thumb Sucking
    1. Praise and reward children when they do not thumb suck
    2. Help find alternative soothing methods for children (e.g. stuffed animals)
    3. Reminders to not suck thumb (e.g. bandage on thumb)
    4. Involve older children in stopping Thumb Sucking (e.g. reward system)
  4. Complications
    1. Persistent Thumb Sucking beyond 4 years can interfere with dental development
      1. Permanent teeth start to erupt at this time
      2. Pediatric dentist referral is recommended
    2. Tooth alignment and mouth shape may be altered
      1. Malocclusion with overbite or crossbite may occur
  5. Resources
    1. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/thumbsucking.asp

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