Risk of Early Childhood Dental Caries Associated With Prolonged Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and benefits for newborns. However, its prolonged duration has raised concerns about potential risks for early childhood caries (ECC).

Aim

To determine if prolonged breastfeeding increases the risk of dental caries in children under 71 months.

Design

Eligibility criteria included observational studies comparing ECC risk in children breastfed for over 12 months, with no language restrictions. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and others, up to May 17, 2024. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model.

Results

Twenty-five studies involving 19 681 participants were included. Studies showed an increased risk of ECC in c

SUBMITTER: Lustosa K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12332104 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature