BREASTFEEDING AND DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN – A REVIEW

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the best method of providing infants with the all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. In addition to being an ideal nutritional source for infants, exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a multitude of benefits for both child and mother. Breastfeeding plays a role in preventing malocclusion, but caries is one condition unfavourably associated with it. While breastfeeding is a protective factor for childhood caries before 1 year of age, by contrast, breastfeeding beyond the age of 12 months is associated with an increased risk of caries. Most recent recommendations of pediatric and dental societies advise breastfeeding until the age of 2 years, accompanied by dental hygiene and optimal nutrition. The prevention of early childhood caries depends on multidisciplinary efforts, involving different healthcare professionals who could provide dental care information to expectant mothers.

Keywords

• breastfeeding
• dental caries
• newborn