KARYOGENICITY OF BREAST MILK IN RELATION TO EARLY CARIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Abstract

According to the Ministry of Health (2021) and the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for up to six months of life and can continue until the child is 24 months or more. Breast milk brings numerous benefits to both the baby and the mother, reducing infections, obesity, diabetes, infant mortality, decreases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The association between dental caries and breastfeeding is not conclusive. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to seek scientific evidence that shows the relationship between breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC). In the present Literature Review, it was found that, to date, it is difficult to conclude the association between breastfeeding and CPI up to the first year of age. From that age onwards, other elements associated with breastfeeding can contribute to the onset of CPI. Therefore, the most plausible observation was the relationship between breastfeeding on demand and dental caries in early childhood, provided that it is associated with other risk factors, not being, in itself, a conditioning factor for the disease. It is suggested that further studies be carried out in order to prove whether breastfeeding on demand can be considered a predisposing factor for dental caries.