The Finnish Family Competence Study: The effects of living conditions on sucking habits in 3-year-old Finnish children and the association between these habits and dental occlusion

Authors

  • Päivi Paunio Public Health Centre, and Department of Public Health and Department of Child Neurology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
  • Päivi Rautava Public Health Centre, and Department of Public Health and Department of Child Neurology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
  • Matti Sillanpää Public Health Centre, and Department of Public Health and Department of Child Neurology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3109/00016359309041144

Keywords:

Dummy-sucking, finger-sucking, family background, malocclusion

Abstract

Sucking habits and their connection with family background was investigated in 3-year-old Finnish children. The association between sucking habits and malocclusion was also studied. The study was based on a survey with stratified randomized cluster sampling, confidential questionnaires, and clinical dental examinations. Dummy (pacifier) use was often associated with a negligent attitude towards the child's toothbrushing. This may imply that these parents need more support, encouragement, and counseling from the well-baby clinic than others. Sucking habits were strongly associated with malocclusion.

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Published

1993-01-01

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 1 (1993): Acta Odontologica Scandinavica

Section

Articles