Association between breastfeeding and breathing pattern in children: a sectional study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Oral Health
• Child Development

Background:

• Mouth breathing is a common oral habit in children, potentially impacting dental and respiratory health.
• Breastfeeding practices, including duration and exclusivity, may influence the development of oral habits and breathing patterns.
• Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and breathing patterns is crucial for early intervention and promoting optimal child development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of mouth breathing in children aged 30 to 48 months.
• To investigate the association between the history of breastfeeding and the development of children's breathing patterns.
• To identify risk factors for mouth breathing, such as non-nutritive sucking habits and bottle-feeding.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 252 children aged 30-48 months.
• Data collection through semi-structured questionnaires for mothers regarding breastfeeding and oral habits.
• Breathing patterns assessed via medical history and clinical examination, with statistical analysis including prevalence ratio calculation.

Main Results:

• 43.1% of children were identified as mouth breathers.
• Bottle-feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of mouth breathing (p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively).
• A longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding showed a statistically significant association with a nasal breathing pattern.

Conclusions:

• Extended exclusive breastfeeding is linked to a lower prevalence of mouth breathing in children.
• Promoting prolonged breastfeeding may be a strategy to encourage nasal breathing and mitigate risks associated with mouth breathing.
• Findings underscore the long-term benefits of breastfeeding for respiratory health in early childhood.