title: Distribution of malocclusion types among thumb suckers seeking orthodontic treatment.
abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of thumb sucking and its duration on the type of malocclusion. A total of 410 North Indian individuals between ages 12-30 years, 161 males and 249 females were examined. A specially designed proforma was used to record the detailed history of the individual. Among the etiological factors it was found that history of thumb sucking was present in 13.9% and significantly related to Class II div 1 malocclusion. When thumb sucking exceeded 18 months, it was found statistically significant (P < 0.1) in Class II skeletal malocclusion, in open bite (P < 0.1) and in extreme overjet (P < 0.5).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If thumb sucking is not treated early, it can cause skeletal Class II malocclusion, anterior open bite and excessive overjet.
authors.affiliation: Oral Health Sciences Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. drspsingh_chd@yahoo.com
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Utreja
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Chawla
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008311:Malocclusion, Angle Class I / Q000209:etiology*; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000209:etiology*; D024343:Open Bite / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult