The impact of breastfeeding practices on delayed tooth eruption in stunted children aged 6-12 years in Padang, West Sumatera

Abstract

Background and objectives. Stunting is a condition in which children are shorter than the standard height for their age, often caused by poor nutritional status during the first 1,000 days of life. This condition may also be associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices, potentially leading to delayed tooth eruption. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding practices and delayed tooth eruption in stunted children. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study included 60 participants, divided into two groups: stunted children (n = 30) and controls (n = 30). Data on breastfeeding practices were collected through structured questionnaires, while oral examinations were conducted using dental mirrors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0, with an independent t-test applied to evaluate group differences. Results. The study found that the mean delayed tooth eruption in the non-exclusive breastfeeding group (0.56 ± 0.50) was significantly higher than in the exclusive breastfeeding group (0.40 ± 0.49). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05; p = 0.0001). Conclusions. Exclusive breastfeeding during early life in stunted children may support more optimal tooth development compared to those who were not exclusively breastfed.