BREASTFEEDING, CRANIOFACIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MALOCCLUSIONS IN CHILDREN AGED 0 TO 6 YEARS: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze and consolidate the available evidence on the association between breastfeeding, craniofacial development, and the occurrence of malocclusions in childhood. This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative and exploratory approach, based on the analysis of scientific studies identified in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases. Studies addressing breastfeeding, non-nutritive sucking habits, and occlusal characteristics in childhood were considered, prioritizing publications in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The results showed that longer breastfeeding duration was associated, in some studies, with a lower frequency of non-nutritive sucking habits and more favorable occlusal conditions. In contrast, the persistence of habits such as prolonged pacifier use and finger sucking showed a more consistent association with alterations such as anterior open bite and increased overjet. However, the predominance of observational studies limits the establishment of causal relationships, and the available evidence focuses mainly on occlusal outcomes. It is concluded that breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking habits should be considered together when assessing the development of occlusion in childhood, highlighting the importance of early dental care.