Breast-feeding exclusively for at least six months and more than 12 months can reduce the potential for posterior crossbite in deciduous teeth.
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of an infant’s life. This recommendation is based on benefits for both the mother and the child.
Breast-feeding exclusively enhances craniofacial growth and development, and helps prevent non-nutritive sucking habits. (eg thumb, finger sucking) Breast-feeding for less than six months or not at all has been shown to result in malocclusion(crooked teeth) and posterior crossbite in particular.
Crossbite in deciduous (baby) teeth develops early and rarely self-corrects, so early preventive action is warranted.
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