The impact of birth mode, sibling number, and early childhood oral habits on orthodontic malocclusion

Year 2026, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 277 - 282, 10.03.2026

Nursezen Kavasoğlu , Nazlı Gönder Erdede

https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1843603

https://izlik.org/JA87US84GK

Abstract

Aims: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate the associations between early-life factors and the development of orthodontic malocclusions in a clinical population predominantly consisting of children and adolescents.
Methods: A total of 407 patients seeking orthodontic consultation were included. Data regarding birth mode, breastfeeding duration, bottle and pacifier use, sibling number, birth order, and family orthodontic history were collected using a standardized questionnaire. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, and malocclusion types were determined according to Angle classification. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA tests were used for statistical analyses with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Significant associations were found between malocclusion type and gender (p<0.001), birth mode (p=0.013), breastfeeding duration (p=0.001), bottle use (p=0.002), pacifier use (p = 0.016), birth order (p=0.032), and family history of orthodontic treatment (p=0.010). However, gestational age at birth (p=0.074), the patient’s previous orthodontic treatment history (p=0.062), and age (p>0.05) did not show significant associations.
Conclusion: These findings indicate significant associations between breastfeeding, functional oral behaviors, and shared familial characteristics and malocclusion patterns, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of its etiology. However, due to the cross-sectional design of the study, causal inferences cannot be established.

Keywords

Orthodontic malocclusion , breastfeeding , bottle feeding , delivery mode

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Batman University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2025/04-05).

Supporting Institution

No external financial support was received for this study.

Thanks

The authors sincerely thank all patients who voluntarily participated in this study, their parents/legal guardians, and all contributors who supported the questionnaire process for their cooperation and valuable support.

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