The Relationship Between Breastfeeding, Parental Education, and Children's Oral Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The preservation of children’s oral health is closely linked to parental health awareness and education. Breast milk is the most valuable source of nutrition for infants; however, owing to its high lactose content, inappropriate breastfeeding practices and inadequate oral hygiene can increase the risk of developing early childhood caries (ECC). The anatomical characteristics of primary dentition,
combined with the absence of established hygiene routines in young children, make prevention particularly important in the early years of life.

METHODOLOGY: This paper presents a literature review examining the composition of breast milk, its cariological implications, the features of primary dentition, and the role of parental education in prevention. By analysing relevant Hungarian and international sources, we explored the relationship between breastfeeding habits, dietary routines, and oral care practices, and the prevalence of ECC.

RESULTS: The evidence clearly indicates that children’s oral health largely depends on parental knowledge and responsibility. Prolonged breastfeeding, particularly at night, as well as bottle-feeding with sugary or acidic drinks, increases the risk of dental caries. Many parents begin oral hygiene routines only after the eruption of the first primary teeth, despite the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the edentulous oral cavity. Additional risk factors include lack of knowledge, low health literacy, and socio-economic disadvantage. New information channels – such as digital educational resources and telemedicine – may complement face-to-face counselling.

CONCLUSIONS: Early, targeted parental education is an essential tool in the dental prevention of children. Alongside the many beneficial effects of breast milk, special attention should be paid to reducing cariogenic dietary habits and establishing oral hygiene routines as early as possible. Effective prevention requires multidisciplinary collaboration, the dissemination of reliable information to families, and targeted support for disadvantaged communities. Well-informed parents can lay the foundations for their children’s long-term oral health, thereby contributing to systemic health and overall well-being.