Knowledge and attitude of school teachers toward thumb-sucking habit in children

Background: Thumb sucking is the most prevalent oral habits among toddlers infants and children. Children spend considerable amount of time in school. Hence, school teachers, especially primary school teachers can play an important role in developing health habits in their students. There are lack of studies on the assessment of teacher's knowledge and attitude about thumb-sucking habit. Aim: The study was undertaken to determine the knowledge and attitude of school teachers toward thumb-sucking habit in children. Methodology: Pretested questionnaires that involved paper and pen were distributed to the study participants in person and the filled questionnaires were collected on the same day. Then, the completely filled questionnaires were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage). Results: Many respondents were unaware of thumb-sucking habit. High percentage of the study participants adopted similar methods to stop thumb-sucking habit in school children. Many teachers indicated that the Internet was the leading source of information about thumb-sucking habit. Furthermore, many teachers were willing to learn more about the prevention and management of the thumb-sucking habit. Most of the study participants felt that counseling of parents and child is very important to stop the habit. Large percentages of teachers were unaware of the role of the dentist in the management of thumb-sucking habit and its associated malocclusion. Conclusion: In this study, the primary school teachers lack the knowledge about thumb-sucking habit in children and their attitude was also found to be unsatisfactory. They need educational programs and symposiums to update their knowledge about the pernicious oral habits.