Do breastfeeding and bottle feeding influence occlusal parameters?

Antonio F Galán-Gónzalez1, Teresa Aznar-Martín, Maria E Cabrera-Domínguez

  • 11 Integrated Pediatric Dentistry, University of Seville , Seville, Spain .

Insights

Breastfeeding promotes better dental arch development and occlusion in infants compared to bottle feeding. This study highlights the long-term benefits of breastfeeding for oral health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Oral Health Research
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • Feeding methods significantly influence infant oral development.
  • Understanding the impact of breastfeeding versus bottle feeding on dental arches and occlusion is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of breastfeeding and bottle feeding on dental arch and occlusion development in infants.
  • To compare occlusal parameters between exclusively breastfed and exclusively bottle-fed children.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 298 infants (163 girls, 135 boys) from Seville, Spain, was studied.
  • Data collected included feeding type (breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding), duration, and stomatognathic system evaluation.
  • Parental questionnaires and SPSS statistical analysis were employed.

Main Results:

  • 109 infants (36.6%) were breastfed (avg. 6.8 months); 189 (63.4%) were bottle-fed (avg. 18 months).
  • Breastfed infants showed more favorable occlusal outcomes, including a straight terminal plane, Class I canine relationship, and presence of diastemas/primate spaces.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with superior dental arch development.
  • Breastfed infants exhibit a lower incidence of dental occlusion disorders compared to bottle-fed infants.
Abstract

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