Aim: This study aimed to investigate the associations between breastfeeding, nonnutritive sucking habits (NNSHs), and malocclusion in deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition.
Materials and methods: A sample of 50 children between 3 and 12 years, enrolled in a pediatric dentistry dental care program, underwent orthodontic examination for detection of occlusal patterns and malocclusion. In addition, data regarding breastfeeding duration and NNSH acquisition were obtained from standardized questionnaires responded by the children's parents or legal guardians.
Results: Regardless of a long period of breastfeeding, a high incidence of NNSH in the evaluated sample was observed. Nevertheless, the presence of NNSHs was not significantly associated with malocclusion.
Conclusion: The findings could not indicate a statistically significant association between breastfeeding duration, acquisition of NNSHs, and malocclusion. Longitudinal studies with larger samples are still needed to better support clinical decisions.
Borrie FR, Bearn DR, Innes NP, Iheozor-Ejiofor Z. Interventions for the cessation of non-nutritive sucking habits in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015 Mar 31;(3):CD008694.
World Health Organization (WHO). Infant feeding: the physiological basis. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1989.
World Health Organization (WHO). Breastfeeding and the use of water and teas. Update 9; 1997.
Baldrigui SEZM, Pinzan A, Zwicker CVD, Michelini CR, Barros DR, Elias F. The importance of the natural milk to prevent myofunctional and orthodontics alterations. Rev Dent Press Ortodon Ortoped Facial 2001 Sep-Oct;6(5):111-121.
Bradley RM. Essentials of oral physiology. St Louis: Mosby- Year Book; 1995.
Josell SD. Habits affecting dental and maxillofacial growth and development. Dent Clin North Am 1995 Oct;39(4):851-860.
Turgeon-O'Brien H, Lachapelle D, Gagnon PF, Larocque I, Maheu-Robert LF. Nutritive and nonnutritive sucking habits: a review. J Dent Child 1996 Sep-Oct;63(5):321-327.
Karjalainen S, Rönning O, Lapinleimu H, Simell O. Association between early weaning, non-nutritive sucking habits and occlusal anomalies in 3-year-old Finnish children. Int J Ped Dent 1999 Sep;9(3):169-173.
Fagundes AA, Leite ICG. Breastfeeding and malocclusion: review of literature. J Bras Fonoaudiol 2001;2:229-232.
Sanches MTC. Clinical management of oral disorders in breastfeeding. J Pediatr 2004 Nov;80(5 Suppl):S155-S162.
Peres KG, Barros AJ, Peres MA, Victora CG. Effects of breastfeeding and sucking habits on malocclusion in a birth cohort study. Rev Saude Publica 2007 Jun;41(3):343-350.
Viggiano D, Fasano D, Monaco G, Strohmenger L. Breast feeding, bottle feeding, and non-nutritive sucking; effects on occlusion in deciduous dentition. Arch Dis Child 2004 Dec;89(12):1121-1123.
Pruthi N, Sogi GM, Fotedar S. Malocclusion and deleterious oral habits in a north Indian adolescent population: a correlational study. Eur J Gen Dent 2013;2(3):257-263.
Gimenez CMM, Moraes ABA, Bertoz AP, Bertoz FA, Ambrosano GB. First childhood malocclusion's prevalence and its relation with breast feeding and oral habits. Rev Dent Press Ortodon Ortop Facial 2008 Apr;13(2):70-83.
Tomita NE, Bijella VT, Franco LJ. The relationship between oral habits and malocclusion in preschool children. Rev Saude Publica 2000 Jun;34(3):299-303.
Moimaz SA, Garbin AJ, Lima AM, Lolli LF, Saliba O, Garbin CA. Longitudinal study of habits leading to malocclusion development in childhood. BMC Oral Health 2014 Aug;14:96.
Dimberg L, Lennartsson B, Söderfeldt B, Bondemark L. Malocclusions in children at 3 and 7 years of age: a longitudinal study. Eur J Orthod 2013 Feb;35(1):131-137.
Silva-Filho OG, Silva PRB, Rego MVNN, Silva FPL, Cavassan AO. Malocclusion epidemiology in the deciduous dentition. Ortodontia 2002;35:22-33.
Moimaz SAS, Zina LG, Saliba NA, Saliba O. Association between breast-feeding practices and sucking habits: a cross sectional study of children in their first year of life. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent 2008 Sep;26(3):102-106.
Bueno SB, Bittar TO, Vazquez FL, Meneghim MC, Pereira AC. Association of breastfeeding, pacifier use, breathing pattern and malocclusions in preschoolers. Dental Press J Orthod 2013 Feb;18(1):30.e1-30.e6.
Larsson E, Ogaard B, Lindsten R. Rearing of Swedish, Norwegian, and Norwegian Sami children. Scand J Dent Res 1993 Dec;101(6):382-385.
Enlow DH, Harvold EP, Latham RA, Moffett BC, Christiansen RL, Hausch HG. Research on control of craniofacial morphogenesis:an NIDR state-of-the-art workshop. Am J Orthod 1977 May;71(5):509-530.
Sum FH, Zhang L, Ling HT, Yeung CP, Li KY, Wong HM, Yang Y. Association of breastfeeding and three-dimensional dental arch relationships in primary dentition. BMC Oral Health 2015 Mar;15:30.
Warren JJ, Bishara SE. Duration of nutritive and nonnutritive sucking behaviors and their effects on the dental arches in the primary dentition. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2002 Apr;121(4):347-356.
Diouf JS, Ngom PI, Badiane A, Cisse B, Ndoye C, Diop-Ba K, Diagne F. Influence of the mode of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking on the dimensions of primary dental arches. Int Orthod 2010 Dec;8(4):372-385.
Jabbar NS, Bueno AB, Silva PE. Bottle feeding, increased overjet and Class 2 primary canine relationship: is there any association? Braz Oral Res 2011 Jul-Aug;25(4):331-337.
Montaldo L, Montaldo P, Cuccaro P, Caramico N, Minervini G. Effects of feeding on non-nutritive sucking habits and implications on occlusion in mixed dentition. Int J Paediatr Dent 2011 Jan;21(1):68-73.