Background: The benefits of breastfeeding on oral health are still inconclusive, especially the association on occlusion.\nThis study aimed to investigate the association of breastfeeding and the development of primary dentition.\nMethods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 851 Asian children aged 2ââ?¬â??5 years old in Hong Kong.\nQuestionnaires were completed by the parents to collect information on breastfeeding and the non-nutritive\nsucking habits. The childrenââ?¬â?¢s dental arch relationships were examined in the sagittal, vertical, and transverse\ndimensions by an experienced examiner.\nResults: Children who experienced pure breastfeeding for more than 6 months had a lower chance of developing a\nclass II incisal relationship (P < 0.05) or an increased overjet (P < 0.05), and had wider intercanine (P < 0.05) and intermolar\nwidths (P < 0.05). Vertically, no association on the extent of overbite or openbite was found (P >0.05).\nConclusions: Pure breastfeeding for more than 6 months is positively associated with primary dental arch\ndevelopment in the anterior sagittal dental segment and on the horizontal arch width in primary dentition.\nTherefore, pure breastfeeding for more than 6 months is recommended, as it is associated with lower chance\nof the development of abnormal dental relationships. The results will be valuable for education and promotion\nof maternal breastfeeding.
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