Breastfeeding, timing and number of erupted teeth in first twelve months of life in Nigerian children

Abstract

This was to assess the possible impact of breastfeeding on the timing of eruption of the primary central incisors and the number of teeth erupted within the first 12 months of life. 1,016 children aged 3 to 12 months were recruited from the immunisation and out patients clinics, Ile- Ife, Southwest Nigeria. Mothers of the children were asked about the form of breastfeeding they had practised for their child. An intra-oral examination on each child was conducted to assess number of erupted teeth. The impact of the form of breastfeeding (exclusive or non exclusive) on the timing of eruption of the primary central incisors and the number of teeth that had erupted within the first 12 months was assessed. There was no significant difference in the eruption timing of the primary central incisors in children who were exclusively breastfed when compared with children who were not exclusively breastfed, neither did the form of breastfeeding impact on the number of teeth erupted at 12 months. The form of breast-feeding had no impact on the timing of eruption of the primary central incisors and the number of teeth erupted within the first 12 months of life in this Nigerian child population.