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The Influence of Breastfeeding on the Development of the Oral Cavity: A Commentary
Conventional wisdom, supported by scientific research, advocates breastfeeding as the superior method of infant feeding. The nutritional, immunological, psychological, and general health advantages conveyed to infants have been documented for years. Legovic listed the merits of human breast milk as compared to artificial feeds to include ideal nutritional content, better absorption, fewer food-related allergies, more favorable psychological development, better immunologic defenses, and a substantial economic advantage. There is another compelling benefit to exclusive breastfeeding: positive effects on the development of an infant's oral cavity, including improved shaping of the hard palate resulting in proper alignment of teeth and fewer problems with malocclusions. The purpose of this commentary is to stimulate further research, as well as to propose the importance of breastfeeding to developing and maintaining the physiologic integrity of the oral cavity.