Breastfeeding and dental caries
Today we will discuss one of the myths about breastfeeding. You have probably heard that night feedings cause tooth decay. No, that is wrong.
A number of studies have not found any effect of night breastfeeding and breastfeeding at all on tooth decay.
Here are some more statements about dental health in children:
- Breast milk contains antimicrobial components.
- Lactose, the main carbohydrate in breast milk, is broken down into galactose and glucose in the intestinal tract (not in the mouth cavity).
- It is worth considering the method of feeding the baby (with breast milk, formula feeding, mixed feeding, breastfeeding or with bottle).
The health of a child's teeth can also be affected by:
- genetics;
- mother's diet during pregnancy;
- baby's early nutrition (complementary feeding, presence of sweets in the diet, presence of a number of vitamin, macro- and microelement deficiencies);
- maintaining dental hygiene in the child.
And remember that breastfed children can also get caries. Therefore, it is worth evaluating the diet and not forgetting to brush your teeth!
There is an opportunity to sign up for a FREE 20-minute consultation on breastfeeding and complementary feeding in March. There are still a few free places available. Write to me WA +37128149072 or e-mail [email protected]
Sources:
Abbasoglu, 2014. Early childhood caries is associated with genetic variants in enamel formation and immune response genes.
Alaluusua, 1990. Prevalence of caries and salivary levels of mutans streptococci in 5-year-old children in relation to duration of breast feeding.
Arishi, 2023. Impact of breastfeeding and other early-life factors on the development of the oral microbiome.
Ballard & Morrow, 2013. Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors.
Erickson & Mazhari. Investigation of the role of human breast milk in caries development.
Evans, 2013. Dietary intake and severe early childhood caries in low-income, young children.
Lavigne, 2013. Breastfeeding and dental caries looking at the evidence.
Shkembi & Huppertz, 2023. Impact of dairy products and plant-based alternatives on dental health: food matrix effects.
Vitiello, 2024. Non-cariogenic effect of milk and dairy products on oral health in children and adolescents: a scoping review.
Author of the article: Aleksandra Ņekrasova
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