Quantitative Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Deleterious Habits

Inês Ruela Branco, José Avelino Vìtor () and Rui Carreira ()
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Inês Ruela Branco: Estarreja Dental Clinic
José Avelino Vìtor: Maia Polytechnic Institute
Rui Carreira: Maia Polytechnic Institute

A chapter in Demographic Transitions, Health, and Well-Being, 2025, pp 31-39 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The work investigates the correlation between breastfeeding duration and the development of non-nutritive sucking habits in children. The study highlights the importance of breastfeeding for at least 6 months, as recommended by the World Health Organization, due to its numerous benefits for both mother and child, including nutritional, immunological, and emotional advantages. The research involved a survey of parents and guardians of children aged 18 months to 6 years, assessing their breastfeeding practices and the presence of habits such as pacifier use, thumb sucking, and nail biting. The findings indicate a negative correlation between the duration of breastfeeding and the prevalence of deleterious habits, suggesting that longer breastfeeding periods reduce the likelihood of children developing these habits. Additionally, the study found that early cessation of pacifier use is associated with a lower incidence of anterior open bite, a common dental malocclusion. The authors conclude that promoting extended breastfeeding can help mitigate the development of harmful oral habits and associated dental issues. They also emphasize the need for parental education on the benefits of breastfeeding and the potential risks of early introduction of artificial feeding methods.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Deleterious habits; Oral Health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-031-94487-1_3

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-94487-1_3

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