Rearing of Swedish, Norwegian, and Norwegian Sami children

Association of Breastfeeding Duration, Nonnutritive Sucking Habits, and Malocclusion

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the associations between breastfeeding, nonnutritive sucking habits (NNSHs), and malocclusion in deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 50 children between 3 and 12 years, enrolled in a pediatric dentistry dental care program, underwent orthodontic examination for detection of occlusal patterns and malocclusion. In addition, data regarding breastfeeding duration and NNSH acquisition were obtained from standardized questionnaires responded by the children's parents or legal guardians.

RESULTS

Regardless of a long period of breastfeeding, a high incidence of NNSH in the evaluated sample was observed. Nevertheless, the presence of NNSHs was not significantly associated with malocclusion.

CONCLUSION

The findings could not indicate a statistically significant association between breastfeeding duration, acquisition of NNSHs, and malocclusion. Longitudinal studies with larger samples are still needed to better support clinical decisions.How to cite this article: Roscoe MG, da Silva Bonifacio SV, da Silva TB, Pingueiro JMS, Lemos MM, Feres MFN. Association of Breastfeeding Duration, Nonnutritive Sucking Habits, and Malocclusion. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(1):18-22.

Cancer in the Sami population of Sweden in relation to lifestyle and genetic factors

The reindeer herding Sami of Sweden have low incidences of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cancer risk in a large cohort of Swedish Sami, containing Sami with different lifestyle and genetic Sami heritage. A cohort of 41,721 Sami identified in official national registers between 1960 and 1997, was divided into two sub-populations -- reindeer herding Sami (RS) and non-reindeer herding Sami (NRS). A demographically matched non-Sami reference population (NS) was used as standard when incidence and mortality ratios were calculated. Incidence and mortality data were obtained from the Swedish Cancer and Cause of Death Registers for the period 1961-2003. For Sami men, lower risks were found for cancers of the colon and prostate, and for malignant melanoma and non-Hodkins lymphoma, but higher for stomach cancer. The Sami women showed higher risks for cancers of the stomach and the ovaries, but lower risk for cancer of the bladder. The RS demonstrated lower relative cancer risks compared with the NRS. The lowest relative risk was found among the RS men, while the highest were observed among the NRS women. The RS men who had adopted a more westernized lifestyle showed a similar relative risk for prostate cancer as that of the NS living in the same region. Most of these differences in cancer risks could probably be ascribed to differences in lifestyle. It is concluded that the traditional Sami lifestyle contains elements, e.g. dietary contents and physical activity that may protect them from developing cancer.