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Do breastfed children have a lower chance of developing mouth breathing? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cristiane Medianeira Savian1, Gabriela Bohrer Bolsson2, Graziela Botton2

  • 1Master's Course in Mother and Child Health, Universidade Franciscana, UFN, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Clinical Oral Investigations
|January 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding may protect children from developing mouth breathing, especially when continued for up to two years. Healthcare providers should support mothers in breastfeeding practices for potential long-term respiratory health benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Lactation Studies

Background:

  • Mouth breathing in children is a concern with potential long-term health implications.
  • Understanding factors influencing breathing patterns is crucial for early intervention.
  • Breastfeeding is a widely recommended infant feeding practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between breastfeeding and the development of mouth breathing in children.
  • To analyze the protective effect of breastfeeding duration on mouth breathing.
  • To evaluate the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on breathing patterns.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across seven databases.
  • Descriptive analysis and meta-analysis were performed on relevant studies.
  • Prevalence and odds ratios (95% CI) for mouth breathing were calculated based on breastfeeding duration.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of mouth breathing was 44%.
  • Breastfeeding demonstrated a protective effect against mouth breathing (OR=0.62).
  • Children breastfed for over 12 and 24 months showed a 41% and 34% lower likelihood of mouth breathing, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months showed no significant association.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding, particularly for up to two years, may significantly reduce the prevalence of mouth breathing in children.
  • While evidence certainty is low due to limited cohort studies, breastfeeding should be encouraged.
  • Healthcare providers should support mothers to facilitate breastfeeding for potential respiratory health benefits.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bottle feedingBreastfeedingChildMeta-analysisMouth breathing

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