Abstract
Background: Breast milk is a highly nutritious food for children which affects the craniofacial
development. Breastfeeding also plays a significant role in muscle function and alignment of the teeth
in dental arch. Given the resources in determining the evaluation of malocclusion and harmful oral
habits, in this study we aimed to determine the effect of child feeding methods on non-nutritive sucking
habits and anterior open bite.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 191 children aged 3 to 6 years from different kindergartens of
Hamadan city were studied. Data were based on the questionnaires that were answered by parents.
Then children were classified into the following 4 groups based on the history of breast-feeding: G1-
bottle fed, G2- breast fed for less than 6 months, G3- breast fed for 6 to 12 months, G4- breast fed
for more than 12 months. Children were examined for the presence of anterior open bite. Data were
collected and analyzed by statistical tests. Pearson chi-squared test, logistic regression and Fisher exact
tests were used.
Results: The statistical analyses showed that demographic characteristics such as children’s age and
birth order, maternal education, employment, and family income had no impact on child feeding
methods and there was no significant relationship between them. Moreover, no meaningful relationship
was found between non-nutritive sucking habits and feeding methods. Results showed that there was a
significant relationship between feeding methods and incidence of anterior open bite.
Conclusions: Feeding methods affect the prevalence of anterior open bite, and by increasing the
duration of breast-feeding, prevalence of anterior open bite can be reduced.