The importance of pre- and post-natal dental care for encouraging and supporting breastfeeding

Abstract

Breastfeeding (BF) is rarely covered in technical and undergraduate Dentistry courses. This review aimed to research dental issues regarding breastfeeding to promote BF from pre- to post-natal dental care. The method adopted was the PICO strategy with the descriptors: “breastfeeding” and “dentistry”, and the search was carried out over the last 10 years until October 2023 in five databases and included studies. Of 209 articles, 101 were selected under inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the type of study and subject covered. The results show the promotion of public policies in BF; its importance and benefits for oral and general health; food; breathing; sleep disorders; pre- and post-natal dental care; use of medications and drugs during breastfeeding; maternal counseling; adequate breastfeeding management and technique; multidisciplinary work; professional training; sociodemographic factors, risk of caries and malocclusion; craniofacial development; oral functions; oral microbiota; special cases: ankyloglossia; cleft palate; neonatal teeth, hypo-mineralization, autism, vertical transmission; harmful habits and non-nutritive sucking. We conclude that there is evidence from a dental perspective to guide mothers and families about BF. This content should be part of training courses in the health area.

Keywords:
Breastfeeding; Dentistry; Oral health care; Dental pre and post-care