Background. Breastfeeding has multiple nutritional, immunological and psychological benefits, as well as a positive influence on the development of the stomatognathic system.Objectives. The present study attempted to determine the relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and the development of non-nutritive habits, and transversal and vertical occlusal alterations in preschool children. Material and methods.This cross-sectional study involved 155 preschoolers aged 2-5 years from 3 public schools in Lima, Peru. The sample was divided into 2 groups with regard to the duration of breastfeeding: group A (n = 50) included infants that had been breastfed for up to 6 months; and group B (n = 105) included infants that had been breastfed for 6-12 months. Two trained and calibrated dentists evaluated each group, and clinically determined the presence or absence of transversal or vertical occlusal alterations. Likewise, the children's parents or caregivers were consulted to determine the development of non-nutritive habits.Results. A significant association was found between breastfeeding duration and the development of the oral breathing habit; groups A and B showed a prevalence of 30.0% and 16.2%, respectively (p = 0.048). Likewise, breastfeeding duration affected the appearance of oral breathing (OR (odds ratio) = 0.84; 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.74-0.96; p = 0.011). Furthermore, the use of a bottle for more than 24 months significantly influenced the appearance of oral habits (OR = 3.55; 95% CI: 1.20-10.55; p = 0.022) and open bite (OR = 12.12; 95% CI: 1.16-126.31; p = 0.037). Conclusions.Breastfeeding duration of 6-12 months was shown to be a protective factor in preventing the appearance of oral breathing. Posterior crossbite (PCB), open bite and deep bite seemed not to be influenced by breastfeeding duration. However, the use of a bottle for more than 24 months significantly influenced the appearance of anterior open bite.

Objective: To calculate the association between the type and duration of breastfeeding and the deciduous molar relationship and facial characteristics of preschoolers aged 2 to 6 years. Study design: This crosssectional study included 160 pre-schoolers aged 2 to 6 years old, enrolled in the 2019 academic year from 3 public schools in Data collection involved two phases. The first phase consisted in determining the facial type, anteroposterior and vertical profile, facial dimensions, and the molar relationship between primary second molars. The second phase included interviews with the parents or legal guardians. Children with exclusive breastfeeding and with mixed/artificial feeding (breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, or exclusive artificial bottle-feeding) were included. Chi-square test, t-test, multiple linear regression, and binary logistic regression tests were applied (p<0.05). Results: The facial length, width, and the lower third were greater in the exclusive breastfeeding group than in the mixed/artificial feeding group (3.74mm, p=0.002; 2.06mm, p=0.047; and 2.94mm, p=0.015; respectively). In addition, children with breastfeeding for more than six months showed greater facial length, facial width and lower third (3.20mm, p=0.038; 3.68mm, p=0.006; and 3.57mm, p=0.026; respectively). The duration of exclusive breastfeeding influenced facial width, noting an increase of 3.32mm (p=0.011) if a pre-schooler had exclusive breastfeeding for more than six months. Conclusion: There were no significant associations between type and duration of breastfeeding and the molar terminal plane, facial type, or profile. However, facial dimensions were greater in the exclusive breastfeeding group, and when breastfeeding was longer than six months.