Breastfeeding and Child Oral Health: An Umbrella Review.

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is associated with infant health benefits, such as a reduced risk of infections, obesity, and diabetes, and offers protection against breast and ovarian cancer in mothers. However, its possible relationship with dental caries and malocclusions has recently been suggested.

RESEARCH AIM: The present umbrella review assessed the relationship between breastfeeding and oral health.

METHODS

This umbrella review evaluated the relationship between breastfeeding and oral health in individuals under 18 years of age by systematically reviewing studies available in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and others. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Eighteen reviews on caries, malocclusions, bone mass, muscle function, and cleft lip/palate were analyzed. Breastfeeding was found to be a protective factor against dental caries (OR 0.71), with duration having no significant effect. A lower prevalence of open bite (OR 0.67) and posterior crossbite (OR 0.68) was also observed. Breastfeeding for ≥ 6 months was protective against overjet, dental crowding, and Class II malocclusion. However, it was associated with an increased risk of overbite (OR 1.95). Narrative analysis showed benefits of breastfeeding for muscular and craniofacial development, and it was considered safe in children with post-surgical cleft lip/palate.

CONCLUSIONS

Breastfeeding has positive effects on multiple aspects of children's oral health, reinforcing its importance for both oral and systemic health, thanks to its nutritional, mechanical and immunological benefits.