Breastfeeding and the development of caries in children
The correlation between breastfeeding and the development of caries in children remains unclear. Previous studies have found a correlation between prolonged breastfeeding and the risk of caries. However, the associations observed were primarily based on non-European populations, and important confounding factors, such as socio-economic position and diet, were not taken into account. The Generation R study re-examined the relationship between breastfeeding and oral health. The results of this Dutch cohort study confirmed the previously observed associations between prolonged breastfeeding and the increased risk of dental caries, even after adjustments had been made for indicators of socio-economic position, ethnic background and sugar intake. Future studies are encouraged to further explore possible explanations for the observed correlations. Healthcare professionals should be more aware of this and advise patients about the potential risk of prolonged breastfeeding on the development of caries by applying current recommendations regarding breastfeeding, oral hygiene and frequency of feeding.