Breastfeeding Duration, Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits, and Occlusal Alterations in Primary Dentition: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Preschool Children

During childhood, a variety of oral and environmental factors can influence the development of dental occlusion, with breastfeeding practices and non- nutritive sucking habits among the most relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the duration of breastfeeding, non-nutritive sucking habits, and the presence of occlusal alterations in the primary dentition of preschool children. An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted involving 194 children aged 3 to 5 years who were enrolled in an educational institution in Lima, Peru. Data on breastfeeding duration and sucking habits were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to mothers or legal guardians, in conjunction with a clinical examination that recorded occlusal characteristics. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate logistic regression. The overall prevalence of occlusal alterations was 5.2 %. Breastfeeding for less than six months was associated with a higher frequency of malocclusions (15.4 %) compared to prolonged breastfeeding (3.6 %) (p = 0.031). The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that breastfeeding for six months or longer was associated with a lower likelihood of occlusal alterations (OR = 0.21; 95 % CI: 0.05–0.91; p = 0.040). No statistically significant associations were found with age, sex, or the presence of non-nutritive sucking habits. In conclusion, prolonged breastfeeding appears to be a protective factor against the development of occlusal alterations in the primary dentition. These findings underscore the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding and the early prevention of deleterious oral habits as priority strategies within public health programs targeting pediatric populations.

KEY WORDS: Breast feeding, tooth deciduous, malocclusion, child preschool.