Effect of Breastfeeding on the Difference of Dentocraniofacial Growth among Children Aged 3-5 Years Old Malay and Batak Ethnic

Abstract

Objective: The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous, such getideal nutrition, intake of best enzymes and antibody as well as psychologically attachment to mothers. Breastfeeding is profitable but in promotion not reached to the essential health of dental and oral yet. It is profitable effect while a baby sucking that breastfed may stimulate the growing of the jaws up and strengthen orofacial muscles maximally. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort on 3-5 years old, both breastfeed and not among Malay and Batak ethnic are conducted to identify the average different of vertical cephalic index, maxillary canine arch depth and palatal depth. Results: There are significant differences of all variables measured between the children in babyhood who were breastfed and no breastfed (p < 0.05). On the Batak ethnic, there is no significant difference of vertical cephalic index, maxillary canine arch width and posterior segment arch length