The Influence of Breastfeeding and Pacifier Use on the Association Between Preterm Birth and Primary-Dentition Malocclusion
Little is known about the influence of biological characteristics on the occurrence of malocclusion .This study aimed to investigate the association between preterm birth and primary-dentition malocclusion and how breastfeeding and the use of pacifiers are related to this association ? Dentists should be aware that preterm birth may be a risk factor for malocclusion in primary dentition . The findings reinforce the benefits of breastfeeding on occlusal development and the negative consequences of pacifier use. In children born preterm, MSM ( moderate or severe malocclusion ) was found to be more prevalent even after adjustment for pacifier use and breastfeeding for a short period. Breastfeeding longer than 9 months reduced but did not eliminate the risk of malocclusion in preterm children. malocclusion in primary dentition By contrast, pacifier use seemed to have a more harmful effect of MSM in infants born preterm compared wit