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.
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.
Paunio
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P
Public Health Centre, University of Turku, Finland.
Rautava
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P
Sillanpää
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M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002654:Child Care; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology*; D008423:Maternal Age; D012923:Social Class; D012931:Social Environment; D014099:Toothbrushing