54 - Comparison of the positive and negative effects of breastfeeding in mexican infants, from newborns to 3 years old

Abstract

Breastfeeding, as the primary source of nutrition for newborns, is accepted worldwide because it provides ideal nutrients for growth and development, including water, proteins, sugars, fats, immunoglobulins, and minerals. Since ancient times, many civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Incas, have practiced breastfeeding. It remains the ideal form of nutrition for infants and is highly recommended. One common question concerns the optimal duration of breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an average of two years of breastfeeding for children in extreme situations of malnutrition or war. In Mexico, the recommendation is an average of one year, although two years is also accepted. Breastfeeding is often combined with bottle feeding and weaning. To determine whether the effects of breastfeeding and bottle feeding are positive or negative for growth and development. To establish the ideal duration for fostering different functions, such as breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speaking. 1,000 photographs of patients were taken to observe facial and oral effects caused by different feeding methods. Data collection focused on facial and oral changes resulting from various feeding methods. Photograph evaluations and comparisons were made regarding dental arches and malocclusions. From the studied feeding methods, it was found that 85% of children fed through breastfeeding maintained balanced facial and oral characteristics, within normal parameters of swallowing and breathing. They did not develop habits, and their dentition was balanced. The remaining 15% of the sample showed some facial changes that are not related to feeding, such as in the case of infants with respiratory alterations due to allergies. Meanwhile, the group of patients fed with a bottle showed a dependency on this method. Sixty-eight percent developed a bottle habit due to the use of it for many hours a day and during the night. Fifty-six percent experienced an increase in carious lesions, loss of arch length, dental protrusion, and bone collapse. The facial profile is retrognathic with lip incompetence. Data from patient photographs, including mouth and profile images, were analyzed to determine the most beneficial method and duration of feeding for optimal development.