Oral health and nutritional Status of Preschool-Aged Children in Maiduguri, North-East, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The most prevalent oral diseases, dental caries and periodontal disease, result in pain, discomfort, and loss of oral functions, often leading to poor nutrition. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and relationship between oral health and nutritional status among children aged 2 to 5 years in Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that assessed caries experience, gingival status and nutritional status of children. Anthropometric measurements of weight-for-age and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were used to assess nutritional status. Participants were randomly selected from three private schools. The MUAC was measured using a standardised tape rule. The weight-for-age by sex of the participants was extrapolated from the weight-for-age WHO chart. Oral health was assessed using the WHO Oral Health Survey Methods. Data were analysed using SPSS for Windows (version 23). Statistical significance was placed at 95% confidence and p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: There were 239 participants with a male:female ratio of 1.2:1 (SE=0.03). Mean dmft was 0.72 (SE 0.09) and 63.2% had healthy gingiva (SE 0.04). The mean weight was 16.8kg (SE=0.15) and mean MUAC was 15.3 cm. Caries prevalence was associated with nutritional status and positively correlated (r=0.03, P=0.64). Gingival status was associated but inversely correlated with MUAC (r= -0.02, P= 0.76). CONCLUSION: Normal nutritional status was associated with no caries prevalence and healthy gingiva. Underweight was associated with caries prevalence. Adequate and healthy nutrition promotes good oral health in children.

CONTEXTE: Les maladies bucco-dentaires les plus prévalentes, la carie dentaire et la maladie parodontale, entraînent des douleurs, un inconfort et une perte de fonctions buccales, conduisant souvent à une mauvaise nutrition. OBJECTIFS: Évaluer la prévalence et la relation entre la santé buccodentaire et l'état nutritionnel des enfants de 2 à 5 ans à Maiduguri, dans le Nord-Est du Nigéria. MÉTHODES: Une étude transversale qui a évalué l'expérience carieuse, l'état gingival et l'état nutritionnel des enfants. Les mesures anthropométriques du poids pour l'âge et le périmètre brachial moyen (MUAC) ont été utilisées pour évaluer l'état nutritionnel. Les participants ont été sélectionnés de manière aléatoire dans trois écoles privées. Le MUAC a été mesuré à l'aide d'une règle graduée normalisée. Le poids pour l'âge en fonction du sexe des participants a été extrapolé à partir du graphique de l'OMS. La santé bucco-dentaire a été évaluée selon les méthodes d'enquête de santé bucco-dentaire de l'OMS. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS pour Windows (version 23). La signification statistique était fixée à une confiance de 95 % et p ≤ 0,05. RÉSULTATS: Il y avait 239 participants avec un ratio masculin/féminin de 1,2:1 (EE=0,03). La moyenne du dmft était de 0,72 (EE 0,09) et 63,2 % avaient des gencives saines (EE 0,04). Le poids moyen était de 16,8 kg (EE=0,15) et le MUAC moyen était de 15,3 cm. La prévalence de la carie était associée à l'état nutritionnel et corrélée positivement (r=0,03, P=0,64). L'état gingival était associé mais inversement corrélé au MUAC (r= -0,02,P= 0,76). CONCLUSION: Un état nutritionnel normal était associé à l'absence de prévalence de caries et à des gencives saines. L'insuffisance pondérale était associée à la prévalence de caries. Une nutrition adéquate et saine favorise une bonne santé bucco-dentaire chez les enfants. Mots-clés: État de santé bucco-dentaire, État nutritionnel, Âge préscolaire, Maiduguri.

The Nigerian Dentist: Emerging Trends in Caries Management.

BACKGROUND: Fundamental to effective caries management, are measures that eliminate caries risk factors and increase caries protective factors. These include the use of appropriate and effective caries assessment, diagnostic and teaching methods. OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of current caries management protocols and teaching methods/techniques among Nigerian Dentists. METHODS: A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used. Only dentists of Nigerian descent and practicing in Nigeria were assessed. The questionnaire inquired about diagnostic tools, assessment and teaching methods used by the Dentists in caries management. RESULTS: More than half of the participants reported use of visual (86.3%), tactile method (76.2%) and periapical radiographs (66.2%) at all times for caries diagnosis. More than three quarters had never used electrical conductance, fibre-optic, CAMBRA, ICDAS, laser fluorescence or bacteria count in caries assessment and diagnosis. Among the 38.4% of the respondents who taught courses on cariology, didactic method and demonstration were the commonest methods used, while use of games was the least used. Didactic method was used more by those that had practiced for 10 years and more. This relationship was statistically significant (p= 0.05). CONCLUSION: Majority of Nigerian Dentists still depend solely on traditional methods of teaching, assessment and diagnosis of dental caries. Modern caries assessment, diagnostic techniques and teaching methods are needed to improve caries management in order to promote early treatment, which is often preventive.

CONTEXTE: Les mesures visant à éliminer les facteurs de risque de carie et à augmenter les facteurs de protection de la carie sont fondamentales pour une gestion efficace de la carie. Ces mesures comprennent l'utilisation de méthodes appropriées et efficaces d'évaluation, de diagnostic et d'enseignement des caries. OBJECTIFS: Évaluer l'utilisation des protocoles actuels de gestion des caries et des méthodes/techniques d'enseignement chez les dentistes nigérians. MÉTHODES: Un questionnaire autoadministré pré-testé a été utilisé. Seuls les dentistes d'origine nigériane et exerçant au Nigeria ont été évalués. Le questionnaire portait sur les outils de diagnostic, l'évaluation et les méthodes d'enseignement utilisés par les dentistes pour la gestion des caries. RÉSULTATS: Plus de la moitié des participants ont déclaré utiliser la méthode visuelle (86,3 %), la méthode tactile (76,2 %) et les radiographies périapicales (66,2 %) à tout moment pour le diagnostic des caries. Plus des trois quarts n'avaient jamais utilisé la conductivité électrique, la fibre optique, la CAMBRA, l'ICDAS, la fluorescence laser ou la numération bactérienne pour évaluer et diagnostiquer les caries. Parmi les 38,4 % des personnes interrogées ayant donné des cours de cariologie, la méthode didactique et la démonstration étaient les méthodes les plus utilisées, tandis que l'utilisation de jeux était la moins utilisée. La méthode didactique était plus utilisée par ceux qui avaient pratiqué pendant 10 ans et plus. Cette relation était statistiquement significative (p= 0,05). CONCLUSION: La majorité des dentistes nigérians dépendent encore uniquement des méthodes traditionnelles d'enseignement, d'évaluation et de diagnostic des caries dentaires. Des techniques modernes d'évaluation et de diagnostic des caries ainsi que des méthodes d'enseignement sont nécessaires pour améliorer la gestion des caries afin de promouvoir un traitement précoce, qui est souvent préventif. Mots clés: Gestion des caries, cariologie, dentistes nigérians.

Prevalence of Dental Caries among Visually Impaired Institutionalized Adolescents in Lagos State.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare caries prevalence among institutionalized visually impaired and sighted 10dash;19 year old children in Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross sectional study of institutionalized visually impaired and sighted 10-19-year-old adolescents was carried out using the World Health Organisation (WHO) Basic Oral Methods caries diagnostic criteria. A random sample of 10-19-year-old visually impaired and sighted institutionalised children was carried out. The mean decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) and significant caries (SiC) indices of both groups were obtained and compared with Chi-square test using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Mean age of visually impaired participants was 16 years while that of sighted was 12.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1 among the visually impaired participants and 1:1.5 among the sighted. Caries prevalence of 28.8% (64/222), mean dmft/DMFT 1.98±1.25 and 27.5% (63/229), mean dmft/DMFT 1.90±1.28 were obtained for the sighted and visually impaired 10dash;19 years old children respectively. The significant caries (SiC) indices for both groups were 3.3. CONCLUSION: Caries prevalence among the visually impaired and sighted adolescents in this study was considerable with no significant differences between them. Both populations had significant caries experiences. There is therefore need for oral health promotion among both sighted and visually impaired institutionalized adolescents in this environment.

Recurrent oral squamous papilloma in a pediatric patient: Case report and review of the literature.

Squamous papillomas are common lesions of the oral mucosa. They are benign proliferating lesions often painless, slow growing and with a cauliflower appearance. However, its clinical appearance which sometimes mimics exophytic carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma or condyloma acuminatum raises concern when it occurs in the oral cavity. Squamous papilloma occurs predominantly in 30- to 50-year old's. However, they may be seen in children <10 years and accounted for 8% of all oral tumors in children. There is no sex predilection. It has a predilection for the tongue and soft palate, but may occur on any other surface of the oral cavity. Oral squamous papillomas have been associated with infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The present report is a case of a recurrent squamous papilloma of the hard palate in a 5-year-old patient with a review of the literature.

Effect of mineral trioxide aggregate and formocresol pulpotomy on vital primary teeth: a clinical and radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Pulpotomy is the common therapy for cariously exposed pulps in symptom-free primary molar teeth. Formocresol (FC) is considered the gold standard dressing agent for pulpotomy, but concerns have been raised over the years about its safety. Other alternative pulpotomy agents have been investigated and suggested. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic response of FC and white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as pulpotomy materials on primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty primary molars, with deep carious lesion that exposed a vital but asymptomatic pulp, in 37 children aged 4-7 years were treated with conventional pulpotomy procedure. The teeth were divided randomly into two groups. Group I (FC) and group II (MTA). The treated teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically and were followed-up for 12 months. RESULTS: At the end of the 12 months follow-up, the clinical success rates for FC and MTA were 81% and 100%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.04) between the clinical success rates of FC and MTA. While the radiographic success rates for FC and MTA were 81% and 96%, respectively, there was no statistically significant difference between the radiographic success of MTA and FC. CONCLUSION: White MTA showed a higher clinical and radiographic success rate when compared to FC as a pulpotomy agent in vital primary molars, and it has a potential to become a replacement for FC in primary molars.

Immune Suppression and Oral Manifestations of HIV in a Group of Nigerian Children.

BACKGROUND: Oral manifestations are common in HIV positive children and have been reported as possible predictors of HIV disease progression. This study assessed the prevalence of oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS and its association with immune suppression in a group of HIV positive Nigerian children. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and twelve HIV positive children were examined for oral manifestations of HIV. The manifestations were compared with CDC Immune suppression categories using age specific CD4 lymphocyte counts. RESULTS: A total of 85 (76%) children had oral lesions. Oral candidiasis (65.2%) and parotid gland swelling (33%) were the most common lesions. Presence of oral lesions was significantly associated with declining immune status, p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The presence of oral lesions was significantly associated with lower immune status.

Clinical evaluation of 16% and 35% carbamide peroxide as in-office vital tooth whitening agents.

BACKGROUND: Tooth bleaching (whitening) is a conservative and cost effective treatment of discoloured teeth. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 16% and 35% carbamide peroxide as in-office bleaching agents. METHODS: Thirty adult subjects who desired to whiten their discoloured teeth were enrolled in the study. Carbamide bleaching agents, in concentrations of 16% and 35%, were used to whiten their teeth employing the spilt-arch technique/half-mouth design using vacuum formed half-arch matrix seated over the maxillary teeth for a one-hour session per week for two weeks. Outcome was monitored with Vita shade guide and photographs. RESULTS: Twenty females and ten males, ages 18-43 years, with mean age 27.83 years, participated in the study. Tooth whitening was obtained in all subjects. Shade tab movement of 2-4 shades and 4-6 shades was recorded at first sessions then 3-5 and 5-9 shades at second sessions for 16% and 35% concentrations of carbamide peroxide respectively. The bleaching outcome was significantly better with the 35% concentration of carbamide peroxide while transient tooth sensitivity was observed in both concentrations ofthe bleaching agents. CONCLUSION: Carbamide peroxide in 16% and 35% concentration are effective and safe for bleaching discoloured vital teeth, however, 35% concentration gave significantly more lightening effect without additional side effects compared to 16% concentration.

Access to oral health care and treatment needs of HIV positive paediatric patients / Acesso aos serviços de saúde bucal e necessidade de tratamento de pacientes infantis

Objective: An assessment of the oral manifestations, oral health status and treatment needs of paediatric patients with HIV infection. Method: This is a descriptive study of 55 patients presenting at the special paediatric clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to determine oral health status and treatment needs. Results: Fifty five children made up of 29 (52.7%) males and 26 (47.3%) females were examined. Age range was 6 months to 16 years. Over two-thirds (69.1%) of the children had good oral hygiene. Fourteen (25.5%) had gingivitis. Dental caries was seen in about a third, 17 (30.9%). The most common mucosal lesion was candidiasis. Most of the patient would benefit from oral health counseling. However over a third, 38.2% would require restorative treatment. Conclusion: Paediatric dentists should collaborate with health professionals for effective management of these patients.

Objetivo: Avaliar as manifestações orais, o estado de saúde bucal e as necessidades de tratamento de pacientes infantis com HIV. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de 55 pacientes atendidos na clínica infantil do Hospital Escola da Universidade de Lagos. Um questionário pré-testado foi utilizado para determinar o status de saúde oral e as necessidades de tratamento. Resultados: Vinte e nove crianças eram meninos (52,7%) e 26 (47,3%) eram meninas. A idade variou de 6 meses a 16 anos. Mais de dois terços [69,1%] das crianças possuíam uma boa higiene oral. Catorze crianças (25,5%) tinham gengivite, enquanto 17 apresentavam lesões de cárie dentária (30,9%). A lesão mais comumente encontrada foi a candidíase. A maioria dos pacientes poderiam se beneficiar de orientação de saúde bucal. Entretanto, mais de um terço, 38,2% necessitavam de tratamento restaurador. Conclusão: Odontopediatras devem contribuir com os demais profissionais de saúde para o efetivo manejo destes pacientes.

Pattern of endodontic treatment in children in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and reasons for endodontic treatment in patients aged 16 years and below seen at the Paedodontic clinic of the Department of Child Dental Health of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. METHODS: Dental records of patients aged 16 years and below treated for various dental problems at the Paedodontic clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between January 2006 and December 2007 were reviewed to select cases that received endodontic treatment. The survey was conducted to determine the frequency of endodontic treatment for each tooth in the maxilla and mandible, the reasons for endodontic treatment and type of endodontic treatment performed in each tooth. Data on age, sex, endodontically treated teeth, reasons for endodontic treatment and date of treatment was retrieved from the patients' dental records. RESULTS: A total of 2376 patients were seen during the period of survey, out of which 260 (11%) patients received endodontic treatment of three hundred teeth comprising 194 mandibular teeth and 106 maxillary teeth. The primary lower second molar (26%) was the most frequently endodontically treated tooth followed by the permanent lower first molar (22%). All the primary and permanent molars were endodontically treated due to caries while 62.5% and 60% of permanent and primary central incisors respectively were endodontically treated due to caries. The other infrequent reasons for endodontic treatment were trauma (5.3%) and failed root canal treatment (1.3%). CONCLUSION: The primary lower second molar was the most frequently (26%) treated endodontically and the major reason (93.3%) for endodontic treatment was caries. Only 5.3% of the endodontically treated teeth were due to trauma.

Patient satisfaction: a survey of dental outpatients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction with dental services has received minimal attention in Nigeria. Quality of service is however, an integral part of any business. The study assessed dental outpatients' satisfaction with oral health care delivery a tertiary institution in Nigeria. The perceptions of the oral health care provider and suggestions that will improve service delivery were also obtained from these consumers. METHODS: A modified Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) was used to assess the patients. An aggregate score was also calculated for each respondent for all variables tested under the five items on dental patient satisfaction. The highest possible score was 76, based on the number of items assessed. The cut off point for satisfaction was set at 38. RESULTS: Three hundred patients participated in the study. The items with the top three scores were dentist-patient relationship (respect/listen), rapport and infection control with mean scores of 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3 respectively. The range for the aggregate score for level of satisfaction was 16-68. High level of satisfaction reported in 159 (53%) of the respondents and low level in 141 (47%). Dissatisfaction was expressed with regards to the infrastructure, electricity/regular supply of water and being treated by unsupervised students in 85.7%, 59.5% and 89% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall high level of satisfaction was related to the communication skills and rapport of staff with the patients. There is an urgent need for improvement on infrastructure and provision of a steady supply of water and electricity.

Research productivity of junior academic staff at a tertiary medical college in south west, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The research productivity of medical faculty has been well studied in developed countries, unlike in the developing countries. OBJECTIVES: This study proposes to assess the level of research productivity over a 2 year period and identify the challenges to conducting research among junior academic staff of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study in which the 120 junior academic staff from both basic sciences and clinical sciences were evaluated between January and September 2005. Data collection was by self-administered questionnaires distributed to the study population. RESULTS: There were 83 (69.1%) respondents comprising 38 males (45.6%) and 45 females (54.2%). The median age group was 31-40 years. Most respondents (57, 83%) spent less than 10 hours/week on research. On average they had completed 3-4 scholarly articles within the past 2 years. Nineteen (21.7%) of the subjects were considered to have optimal research productivity having completed over 5 scholarly research papers. The lecturers with optimal research productivity were significantly more likely to be male, and spent over 10 hours a week in hospital related clinical and laboratory related activities. (p = 0.02, and p = 0.03). Inadequate funding and laboratory facilities, and poor technological infrastructure were the most common causes of impediments to research reported by 78%, 69% and 55% of the lecturers respectively. CONCLUSION: Optimal research productivity was seen in about one quarter of the study population and was associated with male gender and prolonged duration of clinical/laboratory activities. Negligible research financing and poor laboratory support were major impediments to research productivity.

Dental caries status of HIV infected children in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: HIV positive children may be prone to developing Dental Caries due to prolonged and frequent use of sucrose containing medications and poor feeding practices. OBJECTIVE: To determine the caries status of primary and permanent dentition in HIV positive Nigerian children using dmft/DMFT indices. METHODS: One hundred and twelve HIV positive children aged 4 months to 13 years attending two dedicated HIV outpatient clinics were examined for dental caries of primary and permanent dentition using the WHO criteria. Carious lesions were recorded using the dmft and DMFT indices in the primary and permanent dentition respectively. RESULTS: Forty four [39.3%] of the 112 children examined had dental caries mainly in the primary dentition in 96.7% of the cases. Mean dmft was 1.15 +/- 1.88, mean DMFT was 0.17 +/- 0.57. Dental caries was not significantly associated with the immune status of HIV positive children; chi2 = 2.58, P = 0.275. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries experience in the primary dentition of these HIV positive children was greater than in the Nigerian paediatric population. Dental caries prevalence in these HIV positive children although lower than that seen in developed countries was however higher than in other reports of healthy Nigerian children. There was no significant association between dental caries and immune status of HIV positive children.

Pattern of endodontic treatment in children in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and reasons for endodontic treatment in patients aged 16 years and below seen at the Paedodontic clinic of the Department of Child Dental Health of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.Methods: Dental records of patients aged 16 years and below treated for various dental problems at the Paedodontic clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between January 2006 and December 2007 were reviewed to select cases that received endodontic treatment. The survey was conducted to determine the frequency of endodontic treatment for each tooth in the maxilla and mandible; the reasons for endodontic treatment and type of endodontic treatment performed in each tooth. Data on age; sex; endodontically treated teeth; reasons for endodontic treatment and date of treatment was retrieved from the patients' dental records. Results: A total of 2;376 patients were seen during the period of survey; out of which 260 (11) patients received endodontic treatment of three hundred teeth comprising 194 mandibular teeth and 106 maxillary teeth. The primary lower second molar (26) was the most frequently endodontically treated tooth followed by the permanent lower first molar (22). All the primary and permanent molars were endodontically treated due to caries while 62.5and 60of permanent and primary central incisors respectively were endodontically treated due to caries. The other infrequent reasons for endodontic treatment were trauma (5.3) and failed root canal treatment (1.3). Conclusion: The primary lower second molar was the most frequently (26) treated endodontically and the major reason (93.3) for endodontic treatment was caries. Only 5.3of the endodontically treated teeth were due to trauma

Patient Satisfaction: a Survey of Dental Outpatients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Nigeria

Background:Patient satisfaction with dental services has received minimal attention in Nigeria. Quality of service is however; an integral part of any business. The study assessed dental outpatients' satisfaction with oral health care delivery a tertiary institution in Nigeria. The perceptions of the oral health care provider and suggestions that will improve service delivery were also obtained from these consumers. Methods: A modified Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) was used to assess the patients. An aggregate score was also calculated for each respondent for all variables tested under the five items on dental patient satisfaction.The highest possible score was 76; based on the number of items assessed. The cut off point for satisfaction was set at 38. Results: Three hundred patients participated in the study. The items with the top three scores were dentist-patient relationship (respect/listen); rapport and infection control with mean scores of 3.5; 3.4; and 3.3 respectively.The range for the aggregate score for level of satisfaction was 16-68. High level of satisfaction reported in 159 (53) of the respondents and low level in 141 (47). Dissatisfaction was expressed with regards to the infrastructure; electricity/regular supply of water and being treated by unsupervised students in 85.7; 59.5and 89respectively.Conclusions:The overall high level of satisfaction was related to the communication skills and rapport of staff with the patients.There is an urgent need for improvement on infrastructure and provision of a steady supply of water and electricity

A survey of the knowledge, attitude and practices of antenatal mothers in Lagos, Nigeria about the primary teeth.

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of antenatal mothers about the primary dentition. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Lagos. It assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of 464 Nigerian mothers about the primary teeth. All the mothers were seen at the antenatal clinics of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and primary health centres in the local government area of the teaching hospital. The mothers' knowledge of the 2 most commonly presenting oral conditions: bleeding gums and dental caries were evaluated. Results of the study showed that approximately 36.7% of the mothers had received information on oral health care from a dentist. About seventy percent (71.33%) reported that primary teeth were important and 79.31% agreed with the statement that tooth decay was preventable. However, only 8% of the mothers used toothbrush and toothpaste for cleaning their children's teeth. Only 37(7.97%) of the mothers had taken their children to a dentist before. The visits were for symptoms of pain and tooth decay. There was a statistically significant association between educational status and knowledge of primary teeth, (p=0.003308). Over half (51.3%) of the study sample associated caries with consumption of sugars. There was a statistically significant association between perceived aetiology of caries and educational status, p=0.00000. There was a statistically significant association between mother's past dental visit and child's past dental visit, p=0.000000005. The findings of the study show that oral health knowledge of the primary teeth by this group of Nigerian mothers is rather diffuse. It is recommended that medical professionals; obstetricians, gynaecologists and paediatricians encourage mothers to seek professional oral health counselling as soon as possible especially as soon as or before the primary teeth start to erupt. In addition, regular dental visits will ensure that the child benefits from age-specific information that is readily available to the mother.

The digit sucking habit and related factors: observations from a child dental health clinic in Nigeria.

An increased prevalence of the digit sucking habit among Nigerian children has been reported. Certain factors are believed to influence its occurrence. This study was carried out to assess these factors and determine possible correlation with the onset and persistence of the habit. The sample population consisted of 81 children--52 females and 29 males aged 3-16 years who were still actively digit sucking. Findings in this group were compared with a control group made up of 80 children aged 2-16 years who were not digit suckers and had no history of the habit. Results showed no correlation between mode of infant feeding and the digit sucking habit. The duration of breast-feeding was found to have a significant effect on the habit. About 79% of non-suckers had been breast-fed for more than 6 months while only 43.2% of digit suckers were breast-fed for the same duration. The digit sucking habit was observed more frequently in children with mothers in high cadre occupations (53.1%) compared to non-suckers (23.8%). More digit suckers (22.2%) than non-suckers (12.5%) were reported to have a history of pacifier use. Neither family size nor position of the child in the family had a significant effect on the occurrence of the habit. In addition, 48.1% of the sample population had siblings with the same habit compared to 16.2% of the controls. The identification of significant factors may be useful in targeting interventions in order to prevent consequences of the prolonged habit.

Dentofacial anomalies related to the digit sucking habit.

Digit (thumb or finger) sucking is the most common oral habit, frequently seen among young children. With an increase in the prevalence of the oral habit in Nigeria in recent years there should be an expected increase in the dentofacial effects of the habit. In this study 81 children, 29 males and 52 females aged 3-16 years were examined. Each child was still actively engaged in the digit sucking habit. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups--3-6 years, 7-10 years and 11 years and above. The dentofacial effects of the habit on each subject were assessed. Increased overjet was observed in 63-705 of the children in the different age groups while the occurrence of anterior open bite ranged from 33.3% to 80% declining in frequency with increase in age. Unilateral posterior crossbite was observed in 8.65 of children while no case of bilateral crossbite was observed. Lip incompetence occurred in 51.8% of children examined, occurring most frequently in the oldest age group. Class 2 skeletal pattern was observed in 22.2% of the sample population. Results show that malocclusion is a frequent result of digit sucking especially when prolonged. There is a need to increase social awareness of the detrimental effects of this habit and if necessary offer alternative non-nutritive sucking methods.