Breastfeeding Effect on Primary Teeth Emergence in Relation to Craniofacial Growth among Iraqi Infants

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition; it can be viewed as a natural orthotic device for the harmonious development of the face. Sucking has an impact on a child’s premaxillary region’s growth, and mandibular movements encourage mandibular growth. Along with the advantages for general health, breastfeeding also helps with the right development of teeth, face muscles, and occlusion. Hence symmetric, well-proportioned face and appropriate occlusion depend on balanced facial growth. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on the timing of teething in relation to craniofacial development. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross sectional comparative study concerning craniofacial growth assessment, with prospective view concerning timing of eruption. Sample was composed of 100 breastfed infants compared with 100 infants depending on formula milk. Clinical examinations and follow-up for teeth emergence was done for whole sample. Results: Breastfeeding was found to be associated with early teeth emergence. Additionally, although, there were no significant differences between facial growth and feeding pattern there was a significant correlation between delay eruption time of primary dentition and facial growth parameters (mandible and maxilla depths) among bottle-feeding group. Conclusion: The current study confirms the effect of breastfeeding on the early teething emergence of primary dentition; however, there were no significant differences between type of feeding and facial growth parameters. While a significant relation between delay eruption time and facial growth parameters (mandible and maxilla depths) was found among bottle-feeding infants.