Author/Authors :
Poureslami, Parnian School of Dentistry - Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran , Jahanimoghadam, Fatemeh Department of Pediatric Dentistry - School of Dentistry - Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , Horri, Azadeh Department of Pediatric Dentistry - School of Dentistry - Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , Abbasspour, Shokoh , Sharifi, Hamid Institute for Futures Studies in Health - Kerman University of Medical Sceiences, Kerman, Iran , Poureslami, Hamidreza Department of Oral Medicine - School of Dentistry - Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , Montajab, Frogheh School of Dentistry - Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract :
BACKGROUND and AIM: Thumb sucking has been reported as one of the etiologic factors for malocclusion. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thumb sucking and use of different kinds of habit breaker (HB) appliances in children attending private kindergartens in Kerman, Iran.
METHODS: The census method was used in the present cross-sectional study, and the study population consisted of all the children attending private kindergartens. A checklist was completed for each subject, and clinical examinations were done. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the relationship between thumb sucking and the variables under study. Stata 13 was used for the analysis of data.
RESULTS: Of 503 4 to 6-year-old children, 14 (2.8%) had thumb sucking habits at the time of the study. Among these 14 children, only 6 children used HBs fixed (4 persons) or removable (2 persons).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of finger sucking, its side effects, as well as using the HBs of this habit in children of Kerman kindergartens were not high. Furthermore, it has same rate like other cities. In this situation, it’s necessary for the personnel of kindergartens to notify their parents about the hygiene of the problems.
