The White Falcon - 18.11.1994, Blaðsíða 6

toot/i ta//c
The digit habit
By Lt. Cmdr. Nick Mazzeo
Pediatric Dentist
Sucking of a finger, thumb or pacifier is
a normal process for infants and young
children. For many, it satisfies the infant
sucking need, may provide security or
stress relief, and some children use it to
pacify and sooth themselves. In fact, some
children begin to suck digits even before
they are born. Most children stop sucking
on their own by four-years old because
this is when they become socially cog-
nizant.
In most cases, no harm to the teeth is
caused by digit-sucking if this habit is
stopped prior to the eruption of the first
permanent tooth (five- to six-years old).
However, if the sucking continues past
this age, a dental malocclusion may result
(crossbite, openbite, flaring of the upper
front teeth, and/or tipping back of the
lower front teeth). Studies have shown
that the severity of the dental problem is
directly proportional to the intensity and
the duration of the sucking; prolonged
sucking for more than eight hours a day
often leads to a dental malocclusion.
The sucking of a pacifier may cause ill
affects to the teeth, essentially the same
way as the digit. Even though the ortho
pacifier assumes a more physiological nip-
ple shape than the bulb pacifier, it may
still cause dental problems. I recommend
that a pacifier be introduced to the infant
early on if they suck their digit. The paci-
fier has one nice advantage over the digit,
it is easier to get rid of the pacifier as the
child gets older than is the digit. If the
child expresses no interest in the pacifier
and prefers his digit instead, then do not
force this alternative.
Like any habit, some of us need help in
stopping unwanted behaviors. If a child is
six-years old and has not stopped their
digit habit, they should be evaluated by a
dentist. When the child truly desires to
stop their digit sucking and/or if a dental
malocclusion develops as a result of the
Pacifier requirements
Pacifiers should meet the following
specifications:
- solid, one-piece construction.
- have a large, plastic shield to preveH^r
- have two holes in the shield.
- made of non-toxic material.
-contain a warning to not tic around
- do not put honey or sugar on the
pacifier to encourage its use.
Country or Dental Clinic
sucking, then intervention is recommend-
ed. The simplest form of treatment is to
encourage the child to stop the habit by
using positive reinforcement behavior
management techniques in conjunction
with parental support. If this approach
does not work, then a mouth appliance
that blocks the sucking habit can be used
as an aid.
Prime-time visions
More than 100 people showed at the PATRON
Hangar Nov. 8 for the videotaping of a “Go Navy, Beat
Army” video spot.
The tape has been sent to the United States
entered in a contest for air during ABC’s national o
erage of the annual Army-Navy football game
Saturday, Dec. 3.
“It was a great turnout, especially considering the
weather,” said Lt. Vince Broome, IDF public affairs
officer. “As soon as we get confirmation about our
entry, we will let all hands know.”
Last year, residents of NAS were shown nation-wide
from the Blue Lagoon cheering on the mid-shipman.
The videotape will also be sent to ABC’s Good
Morning America for possible airing on that show.
(Photo by ]02 (AW) B. Natalie Dias)
Jtcll
w
OM
£oci<
/It's Quest! okI \
ftNP Answer
Trine Class..
Do ^fco
iohm Do Siecs'FUiSounf7
K Mature intended it imr
ww, ftfTUf
't______________
School Dans
WHeM is Evgfcworie GoinG
To Give UP ANO JUST GST
HLoMGf
Mosaic's PefTscr .
IS TSAR& e Eveie goana
ItWrrHiMK-So...
■*Goc$>. ^--------
BW- dos ClOOPEjI>G>C
loiTrt Ail OF ms
GoofW GoeSTioHS- ^
THer okS l
FeeDgftCK, 4
CoME Tris Guest
NtV6&. Trif^oiL-S
A P ir?
— —
6
The White Falcon