Association between malocclusion in the mixed dentition with breastfeeding and past nonnutritive sucking habits in school-age children

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the association between malocclusion characteristics in the mixed dentition stage, breastfeeding, and past nonnutritive sucking habits in school-age children. Materials and Methods A total of 547 school children in the mixed dentition, in the age range between 7 and 13 years, were evaluated by means of questionnaire and clinical examination. Binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between breastfeeding and finger and pacifier sucking habits, the malocclusion characteristics of posterior crossbite, and excessive or deficient overjet and overbite. Results Individuals who had nonnutritive sucking habits had 2.16 times greater chance of having anterior open bite (odds ratio [OR] 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–4.33) and 2.39 times greater chance of having posterior crossbite (OR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.56–5.49). Children who were exclusively breastfed up to at least 6 months of age had a higher frequency of normality for overjet and overbite and the lowest posterior crossbite index. However, in adjusted analysis, breastfeeding showed no association with malocclusion characteristics in the mixed dentition stage. Conclusions Breastfeeding was not associated with the presence of malocclusion in the mixed dentition, whereas past nonnutritive sucking habits were associated with the occurrence of malocclusion.

Oral Habits in Childhood and Occlusal Pathologies: A Cohort Study

“…However, we have not found a statistically significant relationship in the vertical plane but we agree in the horizontal plane between pacifier use for more than 2 years and the appearance of posterior crossbite, both unilaterally and bilaterally. Moreover, this coincides with the higher probability of having a posterior crossbite (2.39 times more) described by Belitz et al [28] in 2022. In the sagittal plane, in 2020, Traebert et al [31] pointed out that the prolonged use of pacifiers favours the appearance of Class II, although in our study there is no evidence of this.…”

“…In our study this could make sense, since the only children who presented thumb sucking had never resorted to pacifier use. In the literature, it has been found that children who presented this habit were more likely to have an anterior open bite than those who did not develop this habit [ 28 ]. The study by Schmid et al [ 29 ] concluded that prolonged pacifier use (approximately 3 years) can lead to an open bite and posterior crossbite.…”

Breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking habits as covariates of malocclusion in the primary dentition among Tanzanian children: A cross-sectional study

“…Also, children who did not have active non-nutritive sucking habits were less likely to have an open bite, compared with those who were actively performing the habits. The findings agree with those of Ling et al (2018) and Belitz et al (2022), who found the presence of nonnutritive sucking habits to be associated with a higher prevalence of anterior open bite.…”

Breastfeeding Protects from Overjet in Adolescence by Reducing Pacifier Use: A Birth Cohort Study

“…On the other hand, only a few studies have investigated the relationship between breastfeeding and malocclusion in mixed dentition, a transition phase between the primary and permanent dentitions from 6 to 11 years of age, or in permanent dentition, a period at the beginning of adolescence. Of those, no association was found between breastfeeding and increased overjet in mixed dentition [33,35]. However, the transition phase of mixed dentition is marked by a dynamic of growth and development of the craniofacial complex that may influence the final occlusion pattern.…”