Dr . Adam Bloom, the psychologist who interviewed Nicolette for the prosecution, noted that while sometimes showing her age by engaging in " self-soothing behaviors like thumb sucking, " Nicolette was a danger to others.
22.
And a final reassuring word from psychologist Joe H . Ford, who sees children and adolescents at his suburban Prairie Village, Kan ., office : " Psychologically, ( thumb sucking ) is no problem at all.
23.
In 1951, Donald Winnicott presented his theory of " transitional objects and phenomena ", according to which childish actions like thumb sucking and objects like cuddly toys are the source of manifold adult behavior, amongst many others fetishism.
24.
"People who are more high-strung or high-energy benefit the most from a habit like nail-biting, " said Dr . Susan Heitler, a clinical psychologist and the author of " David Decides About Thumb Sucking " ( Reading Matters, 1996 ).
25.
The Bohaty kids prove the two main points that experts make about thumb sucking : There's no rhyme or reason to which children do it, and it's not a sign of any psychological problem, although it can damage the teeth.
26.
Habits or conditions that keep the corners of the mouth moist might include chronic lip licking, thumb sucking ( or sucking on other objects such as pens, pipes, lollipops ), dental cleaning ( e . g . flossing ), chewing gum, hypersalivation, drooling and mouth breathing.
27.
Good oral health depends on proactive measures : frequent daily cleaning; the control of destructive habits like lip biting and thumb sucking; consumption of adequate fluoride; application of topical fluoride and a dental sealant; a wholesome diet with a minimal consumption of sweets and refined starches, especially between meals; and periodic care by a dentist knowledgeable about the special oral needs of children.
