Recreational strategies for the elimination of pacifier and finger sucking habits

Abstract

Purpose: To verify the efficacy of recreational strategies of awareness for spontaneous removal of finger sucking or pacifier habits in children. Methods: Fifteen children (nine female and six male), with ages ranging from 4 to 8 years (mean age of 5.6 years) participated in the study. Recreational strategies were developed for the removal of oral habits. The program consisted of ten one-hour weekly sessions. At the end of each session, parents were oriented, solved questions, and reported their child's behaviors during the past week. Results: Twelve children (80%) totally eliminated the suction habit after the program. No difference was found for the removal when data regarding finger and pacifier sucking were compared (p=0.34). Conclusion: The awareness strategies using recreational activities were effective to eliminate finger and pacifier sucking habits in children.