Integration of Breastfeeding Consultation and Practices in the Scope of Pediatric Dentistry: Collaboration with Lactation Specialists

Abstract

Background: In recent years, breastfeeding has been largely promoted due to health benefits for the children and the mothers and social, economic, and environmental advantages. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for at least 2 years and to be continued for as long as this is desired by the mother–child dyad. Despite its advantages, including protection against caries in the 1st year of life, prevention of malocclusions, and development of more normal breathing patterns, there is a great controversy in the literature regarding breastfeeding involvement in elevated risk for early childhood caries (ECC). Breastfeeding and oral health are strongly related. Breastfeeding can influence oral health and development, but oral findings, such as tethered tissues and natal/neonatal teeth, may negatively affect lactation. Conclusion: A healthy collaboration between the oral health care provider and the lactation specialist is important in order to identify those oral findings and prevent breastfeeding implications, but also in order to facilitate uneventful breastfeeding by emphasizing oral health care prevention strategies. Clinical significance: Information on the advantages of certain lactation aspects and the potential risks for ECC is important for the pediatric dentist to be able to form an individualized treatment/prevention plan that will benefit and promote the oral and general health of young patients.