Many new parents choose to breastfeed their baby due to the numerous ways it can benefit their infant’s health. For instance, it provides all the different antibodies and nutrients they need for their earliest growth and development. It also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, eczema, and allergies.
However, did you know that nursing your child can also potentially improve their dental health? Continue reading to learn 3 facts about how breastfeeding can affect their oral health that you might not already know!
Fact #1: Breastfeeding Reduces the Risk of Tooth Decay
Would you be surprised to learn that sources estimate that as many as 46% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 have experienced tooth decay as a result of bottle feeding? This is partly because the formulas contain sugars, like lactose or sucrose, that attract harmful bacteria that contribute to common concerns, like cavities and gum disease. Putting them to bed with a bottle can increase the likelihood of problems due to more prolonged exposure.
Meanwhile, nursing your infant instead can significantly reduce their vulnerability to caries. But that doesn’t mean that your little one won’t ever have an issue. Breastmilk also contains natural sugars, so it’s important to wipe your baby’s gums daily to keep them clean. This prevents bacteria from penetrating the tissues in their mouth to affect how their teeth develop before they arrive.
Fact #2: You Don’t Have to Stop When They Grow Teeth
Most children start teething between 4 and 7 months old, and their initial tooth usually erupts around their first birthday. Many parents assume that seeing their baby’s first pearly white means they should start weaning them off breastmilk, but that’s not necessarily the case.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends continuing to nurse your child for at least the first year of their life, and the World Health Organization encourages mothers to try for two or sometimes more. This provides numerous health benefits that can help children develop strong, healthy bodies to support their oral and overall well-being.
Fact #3: Your Oral Issues Can Be Contagious
Many well-meaning parents inadvertently share their oral issues with their baby because they don’t realize that tooth decay and periodontal problems can spread. For instance, if you develop gum disease and share a spoon or other utensil with your child, the unhealthy bacteria can transfer to their mouths and thrive.
That means that implementing your own twice-daily dental hygiene routine can also help protect your infant’s grin. You should thoroughly brush and floss both morning and night to remove germs, plaque, and other residue that contribute to dental concerns.
If you have additional questions about your infant’s oral health, you can find the answers you seek by consulting with your pediatric dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ramu Vuppala has 20 years of experience guiding the development of still-emerging smiles. He earned his dental doctorate at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, to stay current with treatment trends and technology. He offers a complete menu of services to meet all your child’s needs under one roof, including early prevention. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (432) 520-5437.