Previous studies have reported a positive correlation between prolonged breastfeeding (>12 months) and dental caries; however, the effect of sugar consumption on this association is yet to be established. A population-based study conducted at the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre evaluated if prolonged breastfeeding mediated by high sugar consumption is a risk factor for dental caries at the age of 2 years. The prevalence of caries in the study was estimated at 22.8%.
Children breastfed for 12–23 months and for ≥24 months showed a higher risk of caries than those breastfed for <12 months. However, a decrease in the frequency of sugar intake for breastfeeding from 12 to 23 months mitigated this risk. The study emphasizes the importance of early feeding practices for preventing dental caries and suggests breastfeeding while avoiding sugar consumption for the first two…
