Dentist highlights the effect of bottle feeding on craniofacial development and the airway
The environment can have adverse effects on craniofacial growth and
development, resulting in airway dysfunction – how we breathe during the
day and how we breathe at night. To illustrate this point, Dr. Mark A.
Cruz explained the changes in infant feeding that have occurred in most
Western societies. He included the information in a presentation about
ontogeny and craniofacial development at the Airway Focused Dentistry
Mini-Residency he co-developed.
Breast and bottle feeding have different effects on facial
development. Breastfeeding strengthens the muscles and actually grows
the nasal maxillary complex forward, expanding the palate (ceiling of
the mouth). This allows for the development of the proper neuro
connections and the proper transition from a visceral swallow to a
mature swallow. Some adults never develop the mature swallow.
Bottle feeding can separate the epiglottis and soft palate
connection and elevate the soft palate. It also can drive the tongue
back and alter its action. This can eventually lead to airway problems,
Dr. Cruz explained.
The combination of having the flexion of the cranial base, the
descent of the larynx, and the spine coming forward causes the
constriction of the airway. Therefore, environmental factors (such as
bottle feeding) can lead to airway dysfunction. This is significant in
dentistry as well as orthodontics because open bites are demonstrated in
children with sucking habits, which are strongly associated with
malocclusions.
During the period of transition of oral tidal volume breathing,
there is a vulnerability. This is interesting because it coincides with
the peak incidents of SIDS in a 3 to 5-month period of time for infants,
Cruz said. With the descent of the epiglottis, a common area is created
where food and air can mix. The descent allows us to have the variety
of sounds to create language.
Dr. Cruz is committed to studying the cause of airway problems
that can lead to sleep disordered breathing. He believes understanding
environmental factors that affect the airway can help doctors of various
disciplines better able to diagnose and treat airway problems. Dr. Cruz
is happy to consult with patients in his Dana Point office who are
concerned about airway problems.