Association between breastfeeding and eruption of the first tooth in preschool children in Nigeria.

AIM: This study specifically examines the effect of the form and duration of breastfeeding on the timing of eruption of the first tooth in Nigerian children

STUDY

DESIGN

The study included 398 children aged 6 months to 71 months. The mothers were asked to provide information on the duration and form of breastfeeding, and the age of eruption of the first deciduous teeth. The socioeconomic status (SES) of the child was calculated using the mother's level of education and the father's occupation. Intraoral examination was conducted to assess the teeth present and dentition status of the child. A tooth was considered present in the mouth when any part of the tooth was visible.

RESULTS

There was no association found between the duration of breastfeeding (p=0.48), form of breast feeding (p=0.61), duration of exclusive breast feeding (p=0.41) and timing of eruption of the first tooth.

CONCLUSION

The duration of breast feeding does not affect the timing of eruption of the first deciduous tooth, neither does the form of breastfeeding.