Table 2.
Masticatory function scores in preschoolers, according to type of feeding and sucking habits, Porto Alegre, Brazil (n = 144)
|
Variable |
Masticatory function score |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| n | Mean ± SD | p* | |
| Breastfeeding (months) |
|
|
|
| < 12 |
78 |
6.79±2.84 |
<0.001 |
| ≥12 |
66 |
10.4±3.53 |
|
| Bottle-feeding (months) |
|
|
|
| < 12 |
22 |
12.4±2.67 |
<0.001 |
| ≥ 12 |
122 |
7.73±3.33 |
|
| Pacifier use (months) |
|
|
|
| < 6 |
67 |
10.1±3.48 |
<0.001 |
| ≥ 6 |
77 |
7.00±3.15 |
|
| Thumb sucking |
|
|
|
| Yes |
14 |
8.92±3.83 |
0.602 |
| No | 130 | 8.39±3.63 | |
SD, standard deviation.
*Student’s t test.