[Oral habits in small children]

The correction of oral stereotypes when children still have their milk teeth is known to be a rewarding measure in the prophylaxis of dental anomalies. Based on clinical examples, questions concerning the methodology and necessity of mechanical intervention are discussed along with favourable times for such action. The casuistic discussion supports the following conclusions: 1. Oral stereotypes that remain persistent beyond the third year do not necessarily lead to dentition deformities. 2. The favourable moment to offer small children aid in getting rid of their habit is not necessarily a matter of chronological or dental age, but depends rather more on the phase of personality development the child is going through at the time.