When an infant is breastfeeding, this function allows for proper development and use of the muscles of the tongue and muscles used with swallowing. This musculature provides proper form of the palate and alignment of the teeth, which in turn gives the infant adequate airway space in the oral cavity leading back to the oropharyngeal area.
Anything regularly placed in the infant’s mouth other than the breast has a direct negative impact on the muscles, the shape of the palate, and occlusion. The muscles will adapt to the routine objects placed in the infant’s mouth. This includes a bottle, pacifier and thumb or finger sucking. The muscular function in adapting to these things will cause the infant to have a high narrow palate, malocclusion and a restricted airway which can contribute to OSA.
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to infants in regards to immunity, nutrition, emotionally, but provides additional benefits throughout life with proper muscle use, palate formation and occlusion to prevent OSA and the comorbidities associated with it.