Mother-baby sleeping patterns and its association with malocclusion among children: An analytical cross-sectional study

: Scientific literature is limited about the different mother-baby sleeping patterns in India and its possible association with the development of malocclusion. The prevalent mother-baby sleeping patterns were assessed in a cosmopolitan city of India with an aim to study if any type of sleeping pattern predisposes to the development of malocclusion. : 2150 children aged 2-6 years were included in this study. A questionnaire to determine type of sleeping pattern, duration of breastfeeding and presence of sucking habits was completed by the parents. The children then underwent a dental examination to evaluate presence of malocclusion which was recorded utilising the Baby‑Risk of Malocclusion Assessment (ROMA) Index. : Three different types of sleeping patterns were observed. The risk of developing malocclusion was found to be low when the baby and the mother shared the same bed for atleast 18 months from birth of the infant. When the duration of child and mother sharing the same bed reduced below 18 months, the child was found to have an increased incidence of non -nutritive sucking habits, had higher Baby ROMA scores and showed presence of at least one type of malocclusion. : Children co-sleeping with their mothers in the same bed for more than 18 months are observed to have fewer negative sucking habits, and a decreased incidence of malocclusion when compared to children who slept alone in a different room.