Breastfeeding and jaw development in babies

We could talk about the benefits of breastfeeding all day, but as a dental clinic we’re here to talk about the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby’s jaw growth.

Breastfeeding during the first year of the baby's life stimulates the jaw, making breastfeeding a major factor in correct orofacial and maxillary development. As they develop, babies are able to breathe properly through the nose, coordinate muscle movements and correctly position the tongue, preventing crooked teeth from developing.

Infants who are bottle fed are more likely to have difficulties with orofacial development. The tongue is not drawn firmly against the palate with a bottle, resulting in decreased orofacial muscle development. 

This makes breastfeeding beneficial not only in terms of general health, but also as a crucial part of stimulating the proper growth and development of your baby’s stomatognathic system, helping infants develop a proper nasal breathing pattern, strengthen muscle movements and correctly position the tongue.

Schedule a visit with the pediatric dentist at Casanova25 Barcelona if your child has cavities or needs a dental evaluation.