Breastfeeding, in addition to providing nutritional, immunological and emotional benefits, also has a positive effect on speech therapy, with the growth and development of the stomatognathic system.
The mother's breast acts as a natural orthodontic appliance. By sucking, the baby positions the tongue correctly within the mouth. The gagging (even without
teeth), cheeks and tongue move harmoniously and the entire neuromuscular function of the mouth develops in a balanced way.
The oral region is characterized as the first source of pleasure and one of the first means of communication, once the newborn initiates contact.
with the world. The act of sucking is the way the newborn finds to calm and satisfy itself.
Breastfeeding provides the necessary exercise for the development of the stomatognathic system. The masticatory muscles begin their maturation and positioning. The tongue stimulates the palate, preventing any disturbance.
Along with muscle movement, bone development occurs. It is therefore evident that breastfeeding stimulates all oral structures, such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, and facial bones and muscles.
Furthermore, breastfeeding is considered the first preventative lesson in proper breathing, because during the process orofacial functions are
Perfect: closed lips, correct tongue posture, (nasal) breathing pattern, which maintains the correct functions of the stomatognathic system.
Therefore, breastfeeding provides the baby with adequate bone and muscle development, thus ensuring the child's well-being and perfect functioning, and enabling general health by virtue of the existing interrelationships between the stomatognathic system and the other organs and functions.
