FROM COMFORT TO CONSEQUENCE: MANAGING CHRONIC THUMB SUCKING THROUGH PUNITIVE MEASURE IN A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Nida Naim*, Chaitra T. R. and Seema Chaudhary, Naveen Manuja, Ashish Amit Sinha and Geetika Dixit

ABSTRACT

There are various oral habits present in a child and digit sucking is the most common oral habit and also the most common learned patterns of behaviours seen in children of preschool age. At 2.5 – 3 years of age, the child outgrows this habit but if he/she continues the habit, it may be harmful because of ridicule, shunning, and peer pressure. The habit and malocclusion can be corrected, with early detection and the right intervention. This case report presents a case of thumb sucking habit in a 12 year old girl where the habit was corrected using a fixed modified palatal crib appliance.

Keywords: Habit, Malocclusion, Digit sucking, Palatal crib appliance.