Removal program of nonnutritive sucking habits based on simple actions and parents and children motivation

Abstract

AIM: This research aims to present a program that uses simple measures and practices for the child becomes motivated to remove the habit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of children aged 3-6 years, of both genders, with habit of finger or pacifier sucking enrolled in preschools in the municipal education of Araraquara, S.P (Brazil). The methodology can be divided into three parts: 1. Parents orientation about the need and importance of immediate abandonment of the habit; 2. Problem presentation for the child; 3. Development of playful activities. It was considered as a parameter for successful cases when the habit was removed within 8 weeks from the beginning of the work. RESULTS: As a result, it was observed that when the children were motivated, most of them removed the habit, reducing the chances of future malocclusions. CONCLUSION: It is considered that the presented method is an alternative to be used by professionals such as dentists, psychologists, pediatricians and speech therapists in helping to care for children with non-nutritive sucking habit.