Possible Connection between Breast Feeding and Lower Risk of Crossbites

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Breastfeeding has been shown to help a babyís body develop optimally and can reduce the risks of certain health conditions in both mother and child. A study from the University of Sao Paulo City in Brazil has also discovered that breastfeeding can promote proper mouth and jaw development. Crossbites and malocclusions, which have been linked to bottle feeding, do not self-correct and may need to be treated by our Los Angeles orthodontist in order to protect dental health.

The study divided nearly 1,400 children from public schools in Sao Paulo into several groups: those who were never breastfed, those who were breastfed fewer than six months, those who were breastfed from six to 12 months and those who were breastfed beyond their first year. More than 16 percent of the group was diagnosed with crossbite. Of that number, most who had crossbite had been breastfed less than six months or not at all. Those who were breastfed more than six months or more than 12 months had an 8.3 and 2.2 percent incidence of crossbite respectively. More than 30 percent of those who had never been breastfed suffered from crossbite.

Crossbite can affect the function and appearance of the teeth. Mothers who choose to breastfeed can support proper jaw and tooth development by continuing to breastfeed exclusively, or without bottle supplementation, for six months and breastfeed as desired to 12 months or more. Receiving proper support is crucial to breastfeeding success. Contact our dentist in Los Angeles to learn more.