The relationship between breastfeeding duration, parafunctional oral habits, malocclusion and facial morphology

The purpose of this study was to demostrate if there is a relationship between breastfeeding duration and parafunctional oral habits and also if breastfeeding duration has an effect on malocclusion and pattern of breathing and facial morphology. Moreover the interaction between the duration of parafunctional oral habits and development of malocclusion was evaluated. 678 Turkish children (357 girls and 321 boys), between 8 to 12 years of age, who referred to Başkent University School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics and Pedodontics and Topraklık Dental Health Hospital were included in the study. The study consisted of clinical examination of the child and face to face interview with the parents. The breastfeeding duration was the main independent variable. Prevelance of parafunctional oral habits were significantly lower in children who were breastfed more than 18 months (p<0.05). Moreover, there was a significant association between breastfeeding duration and posterior crossbite prevalence. Pacifier sucking more than 4 years had a significant effect on posterior crossbite and increased overjet prevelance. The statistical analysis (chi-square test) indicated no significant relationship between the breastfeeding duration and pattern of breathing and profile.(p>0.05) Findings demonstrated that breastfeeding can be considered to be effective on preventing the development of malocclusion both by the breastfeeding activity itself and reducing the possibility of gaining a parafunctional oral habit. Key Words: Parafonctional Oral Habits, Posterior Crossbite, Maloclusıon, Breastfeeding Duration