Breastfeeding, Oral Habits, and Malocclusions in Children Aged 3 to 6 Years
Laura Nieves Ordaz Galván, Danisbel Pérez Ayala, Ismey Márquez Lozano, Dunia Milagros Labrador Falero, Jadier Wong Silva
Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding is one of the fundamental principles for promoting health and preventing diseases. Objective: To determine the impact of breastfeeding on the occurrence of deforming oral habits and malocclusions in children. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on children attending the "Hermanos Saiz" Stomatological Clinic in the municipality of San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río, from November 2023 to May 2024. Population: Children aged between 3 and 6 years. (N=125). Sample: Intentionally selected by expert criteria, including 75 patients based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Information was obtained from individual medical records, surveys, and patient information forms. Descriptive statistics were used, with results presented as absolute and percentage frequencies. Results: Combined breastfeeding predominated in 5-year-old female patients with a breastfeeding duration of 0 to 3 months associated with combined breastfeeding. The main deforming oral habits were mouth breathing and digital sucking during the breastfeeding period of 0 to 3 months. The most frequent malocclusions were open bites and mesial steps. Conclusions: Mixed breastfeeding conditioned the presence of deforming oral habits which, when combined with poor maxillary development, could lead to malocclusions. The relationship between the infant's nutrition modality and malocclusions should continue to be studied constantly to provide more diagnostic and practical contributions.