Prevalence of malocclusions in children aged 3 to 5 years who were breastfed, bottle- fed or mixed

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrients for the newborn.

Breastfeeding promotes correct craniofacial development

since it promotes the exercise of the muscles of mastication,

which

favors

the

correction

of

mandibular

pseudoretrognathism that babies present at birth. Objectives:

To know the prevalence of malocclusion in children aged

between 3 and 5 years who were fed with exclusive

breastfeeding, artificial or mixed feeding. Materials and

methods: This research was exploratory and descriptive. A

total of 70 children of both sexes were examined. Surveys

were applied to the mothers to collect data on the type and

duration of breastfeeding received. The clinical examination

data collection sheet was filled out to observe if they

presented any type of malocclusion. Results: 51.4% of the

children received exclusive breastfeeding, while 37.1%

(n=36) were fed with mixed breastfeeding (n=26) and 11.4%

(8) with a bottle. 51.3% (n=36) presented some malocclusion,

the most common being deep bite 10% (n=7) and anterior

cross bite 8.6%. (n=6). 17.1% (n=12) presented lower

midline deviation. Conclusions: It is concluded that, the more

time of exclusive breastfeeding, the lower the presence of

malocclusions.