Evaluation of the effects of breastfeeding duration on the development of malocclusion and non-nutritive sucking habits

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between breastfeeding duration and the development of malocclusion and non-nutritive sucking habits in children. Additionally, the study will investigate the association between non-nutritive sucking habits and the types of malocclusions that may develop during childhood. This cross-sectional and observational study included 322 children aged 3 to 6 years who visited the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at Çukurova University Faculty of Dentistry for an examination between April 2023 and September 2024. The study consisted of a clinical examination conducted by the dentist to evaluate malocclusion, followed by a face-to-face questionnaire administered to the child's parent or guardian. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 22.0 software. The analysis revealed that children who were breastfed for more than six months during infancy had a significantly lower likelihood of developing anterior crossbite and anterior open bite (p<0.05). Furthermore, an increase in breastfeeding duration was associated with a significant decrease in bottle and pacifier use (p<0.05). Another notable finding was that children who used pacifiers were 7.88 times more likely to develop anterior open bite compared to those who did not use pacifiers. In conclusion, based on the findings, breastfeeding for at least six months, as recommended by the World Health Organization for overall health, may play a crucial role in preventing various types of malocclusion in children. This is due to breastfeeding's support in strengthening orofacial structures and reducing the likelihood of developing non-nutritive sucking habits such as pacifier use. Keywords: breastfeeding duration, malocclusion, pacifier sucking, non-nutritive sucking habits, thumb sucking