Belle Maudsley Lecture. Digits, dummies and malocclusions.

When considering the aetiology of malocclusion in general, factors are often cited as having a genetic basis or an environmental basis. An individual malocclusion is likely to be a result of the variable effects of multiple environmental influences, upon an equally variable genetic predisposition. One of the most tangible 'environmental' factors is that of sucking habits involving digits or dummies. This review considers the nature of these habits, their effects on the developing dentition and methods used to combat the problem.