ABSTRACT
Introduction: the impact of different patterns of infant feeding on primary dentition is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of prolonged breast or bottle feeding on occlusion in primary dentition
Methods: this descriptive-analytical study was performed on 3 16 children aged 4-5 years. Occlusal relationship, overjet, overbite, and cross bite were evaluated by direct observation in sitting position, under natural light. The information on feeding pattern was gathered using a questionnaire completed by mothers. Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis
Results: a significant relationship was observed between bottle-feeding and both increased overjet [P-value =0.04] and distal step occlusion [P-value=0.00l]. Neither the duration of breast or bottle-feeding nor the frequency had a significant impact on occlusion
Conclusion: in this study, children who were breastfed showed more normal overjet and mesial step molar relationship