The relationship between breastfeeding and the incidence of malocclusion in children

Hubungan menyusui ASI dengan kejadian maloklusi pada anak

Abstract

Breastfeeding is an activity to fulfil infant nutrition, but according to a survey in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 36.3 million infants are not exclusively breastfed (63%). During breastfeeding, the orofacial muscles are intensely exercised, provi-ding favourable stimulation to the sagittal growth of the mandible, and correction of the intermaxillary relationship resulting in protection against malocclusion. This literature review discusses the relationship between breastfeeding and the incidence of malocclusion in children. This study uses the literature review method with data sources from literature searches on the Google Scholar search site published in 2017-2021. Based on the results of the search for articles related to breastfeeding and mal-occlusion risk, 15 studies revealed that optimal breastfeeding for 6 months or more was associated with a reduced risk of mal-occlusion in children. It was concluded that breastfeeding can prevent malocclusion.