Dental Caries and Breastfeeding
By Barbara Wilson-Clay
What causes tooth decay? Blame it on bacteria, genetics, and diet. Everyone has oral bacteria, but the germs that cause tooth decay (caries) cannot do damage unless there is also tooth susceptibility. Genetic factors, for example poor enamel formation, and a diet rich in sweets and carbohydrates make teeth vulnerable to decay. Dentists rightly warn parents not to put babies to bed with bottles of formula, soda, or juice. These sweet liquids leak out of bottles and pool on the surfaces of teeth while the baby sleeps. Bacteria feed on the sugars and eat holes into the surface of the tooth.
Skull fossil evidence shows that early people had strong, healthy teeth. Infants in these cultures typically breastfed for several years. However, the other foods in their diet were very different. Today, cookies, raisins, juices and other sweet foods are typically introduced when children are very young, during the time when their teeth are erupting.
The superior nutrition provided by human milk has been shown to do more than help with the formation of healthy teeth. The activity of breastfeeding helps exercise the facial muscles. This promotes the development of strong jaws and attractive facial structure. One large study demonstrated that overbites (malocclusion) requiring orthodontia could be cut in half if infants were breastfed for one year.
Parents can help prevent caries by brushing baby teeth with a soft brush, and avoiding sugary foods in their baby’s diet. Some studies advise providing fluoride supplements to infants older than 12 months who frequently breastfeed at night, especially if there is a family history of caries.
References:
M Labbok and G Hendershot: Does Breastfeeding Protect Against Malocclusion? Am J Prev Medicine 1987; 3(4):227-32.
RA Lawrence and RM Lawrence: Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, 6th edition, Elsevier Mosby, Philadelphia 2005. Pg. 552-3.
B Palmer: The Influence of Breastfeeding on the Development of the Oral Cavity: A commentary, J Hum Lactation 1998; 14(2):93-98.
N Ribeiro and M Ribeiro: Breastfeeding and early childhood caries: A critical review, J Pediatr (Rio J) 2004; 80(5 Suppl):S199-210.
