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Debunking Myths: Does Breastfeeding Cause Cavities in Babies?
At Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore), we often hear concerns about whether breastfeeding, especially at night, can lead to cavities in little ones. It’s a topic that can spark worry, but let’s explore the facts and put those fears to rest.
Breastfeeding and Cavities: What’s the Real Deal?
Written by Malkeet Aujla
With help from Dr Mythili Pandi, IBCLC, and Dr Surinder Arora, BDS
Breastfeeding Protects, Not Harms
Did you know that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can actually protect your baby’s teeth? Research highlights that breastmilk alone doesn’t cause cavities. The confusion begins when solids, sugary foods, and drinks enter the picture after six months. These, not breastmilk, are the real culprits behind tooth decay.
Studies Speak for Themselves
While some studies suggest a slight increase in cavity risks with breastfeeding beyond 12 months, they also point out other contributing factors, such as:
- High sugar intake
- Poor oral hygiene
- and socioeconomic influences.
In fact, in areas with fluoridated water, research shows no significant link between extended breastfeeding and cavities.
Night-Time Breastfeeding Myths
Ah, the night feeds! They’re a lifeline for many mums, yet they’ve been unfairly blamed for causing cavities. Let’s set the record straight:
Breastfeeding Mechanics: Babies breastfeed using a combination of suckling and swallowing reflexes, which means there is generally less pooling of milk in their mouths compared to bottle-feeding.
Bottle Feeding Difference: Milk from a bottle can pool around a baby’s teeth, especially if they fall asleep while feeding. This pooling increases the risk of cavities. In contrast, breastfeeding typically results in less pooling, which minimizes the risk of tooth decay.
If you’re feeding breastmilk through a bottle at night, simply wipe your baby’s gums or teeth afterward to keep them healthy.
Why Breastmilk is Better Than Formula
Here’s an interesting fact: breastmilk contains antibodies and protective proteins like lactoferrin that actively fight cavity-causing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans). Formula, on the other hand, can change the pH of your baby’s mouth, encouraging bacterial growth.
Expert Insights: Breastfeeding and Dental Caries
We are delighted to include insights from Dr Surinder Arora, a mum and general dentist who takes a holistic approach to oral health. Find out more about Dr Surinder Arora here.
Evidence and Prevention
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advocate breastfeeding for its extensive health benefits, including improved immunity and nutrition.
When it comes to dental health, research suggests prolonged breastfeeding, including frequent night-time feeds, may contribute to cavities due to exposure to lactose in breastmilk and reduced salivary flow at night. However, a systematic review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) found no consistent evidence linking breastfeeding directly to dental caries. The variability in study methodologies and confounding factors makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Interestingly, breastmilk’s natural antimicrobial properties, particularly the protein lactoferrin, may help combat bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which cause cavities. A study in the Journal of Dental Research supports this, highlighting breastmilk’s ability to prevent tooth decay. Additionally, while breastfeeding may still involve some pooling of milk in the mouth, this is considerably less compared to bottle-feeding, which may lead to more pooling. The reduced pooling of milk minimizes the risk of cavity formation in breastfed babies.
Preventive Measures
To keep your baby’s smile bright, Dr Arora suggests:
- Start Early Oral Hygiene: Introduce a silicone or soft toothbrush early to familiarise babies with cleaning their mouths.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Early visits can help monitor and maintain dental health.
- Encourage a Balanced Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks; opt for whole foods.
- Ensure Vitamin D Intake: Sunshine or supplements support oral health, alongside vitamins A, E, and K2. Read more here.
- Address Mouth Breathing: Mouth breathing can dry out the oral cavity, increasing cavity risks and affecting facial growth.
- Maintain a Healthy Oral Microbiome: Caregivers should maintain oral hygiene to avoid transmitting cavity-causing bacteria.
By adopting a holistic approach, you can confidently breastfeed while ensuring optimal oral health for your child.
Quote from Dr Arora
Tips for Preventing Cavities in Babies
In addition to Dr Arora’s insights, here are some simple practices to protect those pearly whites:
- Wipe and Brush: Clean gums with a damp cloth after feeds and brush emerging teeth with a soft toothbrush.
- Limit Sugars: Avoid processed snacks and juices, focusing instead on fruits and whole grains.
- Practice Safe Sharing: Avoid sharing utensils or cleaning pacifiers with your mouth to reduce bacteria transfer.
[Image: Happy Baby]
Breastfeeding and Oral Care: A Perfect Pair
Breastfeeding is a precious gift, offering unparalleled nutrition, comfort, and bonding. With mindful oral care and a balanced diet, it’s possible to embrace breastfeeding without compromising your baby’s dental health.
Cheers to happy breastfeeding and healthy smiles, mamas!