Influence of breastfeeding on oral health

Abstract

Breastfeeding is recognized as a key factor in childhood development, but its relationship with oral health, particularly early childhood caries, has been a subject of debate. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of breastfeeding on children's oral health, emphasizing practices such as prolonged and nighttime breastfeeding, and their association with the development of the oral microbiome and dental caries. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 framework, utilizing a structured search strategy in PubMed to identify studies published between 2021 and 2025. From an initial 799 results, 13 studies were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessing their methodological quality using the ROBIS tool. The results showed that prolonged and nighttime breastfeeding is associated with a higher risk of caries, whereas exclusive breastfeeding during the first months may have protective effects. Furthermore, breastfeeding was found to influence the infant oral microbiome, potentially delaying its early maturation. Other factors, such as delayed introduction of complementary foods and poor oral hygiene practices, also significantly contribute to the risk of caries. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that combines the promotion of breastfeeding with proper dietary practices and oral health education to prevent dental problems in childhood, providing a solid foundation for future research and preventive strategies.