The Power of Breastfeeding for Oral Development

The following is not at all a debate about formula vs breast milk, but rather a breakdown of the factual differences in feeding pattern that are developed with each.

Bottle-fed babies use their buccinator and lip muscles to feed, compared to breastfed babies who primarily use their tongue. 

When a baby breastfeeds, the nipple naturally draws deep into the mouth and presses against the palate. The baby’s tongue and facial muscles have to work actively to extract milk, and this effort helps shape the mouth. The gentle but consistent pressure on the palate encourages it to widen, while the movement of the jaw and sutures stimulates bone growth, creating broader, healthier jaws. 

What the Research Says

This study that looked at bottle vs breastfeeding and the development of the maxillofacial complex noted that the tongue's position is lower during bottle-feeding than during breastfeeding, resulting in a weaker stimulation of the tongue and mandible. As a result, the masseter and pterygoid work is reduced.

Breastfeeding engages the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, helping them develop in both size and strength. It also stimulates the temporomandibular joint and supports forward growth of the lower jaw (mandible). Early activation of these muscles, along with the maxillo-nasal complex during nursing, lays the foundation for proper chewing function later in life. Together with genetic and environmental factors, this muscle activity plays a direct role in the growth of the upper and lower jaws as well as the overall development of the oral and facial muscles.

Another study concluded that breastfed children tend to exhibit more favorable ideal occlusion values compared to those who were fed formula.

The same study did note that the bottle nipple and quality of movement can play a role in feeding effectiveness when it comes to bottle

If you must bottle-feed, certain bottle options are better than others. Learn more.