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Soft Bite Appliance for Teething Infants
Preethi Murali1, B Sivapathasundharam2, Jeyaseelan Ramasamy1
1Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Meenakshi Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
A soft bite appliance can prevent nipple injuries in breastfeeding mothers caused by infant teething. This temporary device enhances comfort and allows mothers to continue breastfeeding without anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatrics
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Mother's milk is crucial for infant growth, brain development, and immune function.
- The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years.
- Infant teething, starting around six months, can cause painful nipple and areola bite injuries for mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel "soft bite appliance" designed to prevent infant bite injuries during breastfeeding.
- To enhance comfort for both mother and infant during the teething phase of breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a "soft bite appliance" for infant use during breastfeeding.
- Temporary application of the device during the infant's teething period.
Main Results:
- The appliance effectively prevents bite injuries to the mother's nipples and areola.
- The device promotes comfort for both mother and infant during feeding.
- Facilitates the continuation of breastfeeding without maternal anxiety.
Conclusions:
- The soft bite appliance is a beneficial temporary solution for teething-related breastfeeding challenges.
- This innovation supports continued breastfeeding by mitigating maternal discomfort and injury.
- Enhances the breastfeeding experience, promoting maternal and infant well-being.
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