The relationship between breastfeeding and the incidence of malocclusion in children: Hubungan menyusui ASI dengan kejadian maloklusi pada anak

Mila Febriany (Departemen Ilmu Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Muslim Indonesia Makassar, Indonesia)
Sherly Horax (Departemen Ilmu Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Eka Erwansyah (Departemen Ilmu Ortodonsia, Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Gigi Universitas, Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Fajriani F (Departemen Ilmu Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Marhamah (Departemen Ilmu Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)

MDJ (Makassar Dental Journal)
Vol. 13 No. 1 (2024): Volume 13 Issue 1 April 2024

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.