Hábitos alimentares aplicados à Odontopediatria na primeira infância.

Abstract

Feeding habits aquired during childhood influence in the process of craniofacial development, in the progression of caries disease and in the arrival of other oral problems such as dental erosion. Natural feeding provides an adequate accomplishment of the baby’s oral functions, allowing the development of structures related to these functions. A diet rich in sugar, combined with a bad oral hygiene and the difficulty in accessing dental care make the population, especially children, more exposed to risk factors related to dental caries. This study aims to indicate the aspects related to feeding habits in first childhood, regarding to natural and artificial breast-feeding, and complementary feeding. Furthermore, present the importance and the benefits which breast-feeding provides to children, especially related to craniofacial development; relate factors between an adequate diet and the baby’s oral health; and point the influence of marketing on children’s eating habits.