INFLUENCE OF BREASTFEEDING ON CRANIOFACIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PREVENTION OF MALOCCLUSIONS IN CHILDHOOD

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding plays a fundamental role in craniofacial development during childhood, directly influencing the proper growth of the stomatognathic system and the prevention of malocclusions. In addition to providing nutritional and immunological benefits, breastfeeding promotes essential muscular and functional stimuli for the bone and muscular development of the face. Objective: To analyze the influence of breastfeeding on craniofacial development in children and its contribution to the prevention of malocclusions during childhood, highlighting the impacts of early weaning and non-nutritive sucking habits. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review conducted through searches in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, using articles published between 2021 and 2026. Studies in Portuguese and English related to breastfeeding, oral habits, and craniofacial development in children were included. Results and Discussion: The studies demonstrated that breastfeeding favors the functional and structural development of the stomatognathic system, reducing the incidence of deleterious habits and malocclusions. In contrast, prolonged use of pacifiers and baby bottles, as well as early weaning, were associated with occlusal alterations and myofunctional disorders. Final Considerations: It is concluded that breastfeeding is essential for proper craniofacial development and for the prevention of orthodontic alterations, making family guidance regarding the importance of breastfeeding and the risks of non-nutritive sucking habits indispensable.