It is already an extremely well known fact that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed the child.
Breastfeeding will help the little one develop a strong immune system able to withstand better infections and viruses. A Brazilian study has brought to light yet another benefit of breastfeeding.
Researchers state that mothers who breastfeed their babies for at least up until the baby is 1 year old, will actually help the baby lower the risk for developing serious bite problems later on, around the age of 4.
During the study, researchers have tested 153 children. Mothers had to answer different questions for the test regarding the first 6 months of the baby’s life. The questions were formulated with regards to breastfeeding, bottle feeding, thumbsucking or the use of a pacifier for their baby.
Then, later on when children were between 3 and 5 years old, mothers had to answer again the exact same questions. By the time the little ones grew up, almost half of them developed a type of bite complication (malocclusion).
The main findings of the study after analyzing and comparing the data:
-Children who were breastfed for at least 12 months, had 56% lower chances of developing malocclusion problems, as compared to children who were breastfed for much shorter periods
-During the analysis and the study itself, researchers also took into account other factors which might affect the bite of the child, such as the use of the bottle or the use of the pacifier.
-Even like this, babies who are breastfed for long enough, are less likely to develop bite problems which might require later in life dental braces. The study led by Brazilian researchers has been published in the Journal of Breastfeeding Medicine.
An earlier study has already proven that children who are breastfed for long enough are less likely to develop a condition known as the “open bite”. The open bite appears when the lower and the upper front teeth are not touching when the child closes his mouth.
Therefore, mothers should pay a very special attention to choosing breastfeeding wherever possible, instead of switching to baby formula very early. Breastfeeding is a healthy practice which will have a major impact on the child’s immune system but also on his dental health.
Worldental.org
