Abstract

ROBLES-BERMEO, Norma Leticia et al. Human milk and its effect on enamel mineralization: a literature review. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2019, vol.46, n.3, pp.209-217. ISSN 1683-9803.  https://doi.org/10.31698/ped.460320190010.

Breast milk provides the child of all the nutrients he needs for his growth and physical and psychological development beginning at birth. Its effect on dental tissue has been the subject of controversy, since it has been seen to act on the mineralization of enamel and has been associated with early childhood caries. Human milk has various protective components for tooth enamel but at the same time it contains factors that can cause the loss of minerals. The purpose of this review is to review the elements that produce the demineralization and remineralization of enamel and propose some measures that support the integrity of this tissue, as well as to recommend breastfeeding as the main feeding source that the infant should receive during the first year of life. Human milk has various proteins and elements that help in the process of demineralization and remineralization of the tooth enamel of first dentition. It can be concluded that, breast milk is the ideal food for children during the first years of life. Therefore, breastfeeding should be promoted as the preferred method of feeding babies. Oral hygiene should be implemented as soon as the first tooth erupts. This measure will prevent the possible demineralizing effect of milk from exerting an irreversible effect on tooth enamel. It is advisable to guide mothers on the storage of breast milk so that when consumed by the child, it is not acidified, and does not produce harmful effects on the enamel.

Keywords : Human milk; mineralization; enamel; primary dentition; oral health.

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