Objective: To identify and assess the possible consequences of bottle-feeding on the oral facial development of children who were breastfed up to at least six months of age.
Method: Two hundred and two children (4 years of age) enrolled in an early health attention program participated in the study. The sample was divided into two groups: G1 (children who used only a cup to drink) and G2 (those who used a bottle).
Results: Lip closure was observed in 82% of the children in G1 and in 65% of those in G2 (p = 0.0065). The tongue coming to rest in the maxillary arch was found in 73% of the children in G1 and in 47% of those in G2 (p = 0.0001). Nasal breathing was observed in 69% of G1 and in 37% of G2 (p = 0.0001). The maxilla was shown to be normal in 90% of G1 and in 78% of G2 (p = 0.0206).
Conclusion: Use of the bottle, even among breastfed children interferes negatively with oral facial development.