Breastfeeding and its relationship to oral and dental development of the newborn

Abstract

Introduction: the benefits that breastfeeding provides, for both mother and child, from an immunological, nutritional and emotional point of view are indisputable. In addition to providing nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and essential fats, it strengthens the immune system, promotes a strong emotional bond between mother and child and promotes the baby's orofacial development. Objective: to describe the relationship between breastfeeding and the oral development of the newborn. Method: a bibliographic review was carried out and inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined for the selection of articles. The search was carried out in Google Schoolar, PubMed, Scielo and MEDLINE. The information analyzed was structured into two subsections: the general benefits of breastfeeding and another dedicated to the benefits on the infant's oral development. Results: the studies considered were a total of 11, two were classified as research and nine were systematically reviewed. It is suggested that breastfeeding be exclusive until six months of age and continue to be supplemented with appropriate solid foods until two years of age. It offers a series of benefits for the newborn in various aspects of their oral development, including the health and development of the alveolar bone, muscles and when it comes to avoiding malocclusions. Conclusions: breastfeeding favors maternal maturation and the development of facial and masticatory muscles, as well as correct positioning of the upper jaw and mandible, which will contribute to the correct formation of the stomatognathic system and occlusion