INFLUENCE OF INFANT NUTRITION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL HEALTH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Infant nutrition plays a fundamental role in the overall growth and development of children, also influencing the formation and maintenance of oral health during early childhood. This study is characterized as a literature review, aiming to analyze the influence of children's eating habits on the development of oral health in the first years of life. The research was conducted through a survey of scientific articles, national and international guidelines, and academic publications indexed in electronic databases. Studies related to breastfeeding, introduction of solid foods, sugar consumption, nutritional deficiencies, and the occurrence of oral diseases in childhood were selected. The results showed that adequate dietary practices contribute to harmonious craniofacial development, satisfactory dental formation, and prevention of early childhood caries, while diets rich in sugars and ultra-processed foods significantly increase the risk of oral problems. It is concluded that promoting healthy eating from the first months of life constitutes an important preventive strategy, requiring integrated action among professionals in nutrition, pediatrics, and dentistry.