Hi from a mother to a mother,
I know definitely you must be enjoying your journey as a blossoming mom there might be moments of pure happiness, growth, and sometimes a bit of worry. It’s quite normal to feel uncertain about what’s best you can do for your baby, wondering if certain things are beneficial or if they might have side effects, or if they are good, then how much is just right, especially when it comes to their health.
There might be many questions like:
If your baby’s feeding habits could affect their future dental health?
Breastfeeding at night might cause cavities for your baby?
When to start brushing your baby’s teeth?
Are you considering weaning earlier than planned due to dental health concerns?
How to breastfeed and protect your baby’s teeth simultaneously?
That extended breastfeeding might lead to dental issues?
Do you wonder how other mothers manage breastfeeding and dental care?
You’re not alone in these concerns. Knowing about all these can be confusing for new parents.
It’s natural to feel torn between wanting to breastfeed for its numerous benefits and fearing it might cause dental problems.
And today I’m not just talking to you as a dentist but as a mother as well, answering all your questions & make you stress-free about all your concerns related to breastfeeding and its connection to dental health in long term.
Together, let’s explore some interesting facts on breastfeeding like how it can lower the risk of caries & how you can nurture your baby’s healthy smile while embracing the beautiful bond of you & your baby while you breastfeed.
As you might be already knowing that, World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC),Australia recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of solid foods for at least the first year, for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/03/australian-national-breastfeeding-strategy-2019-and-beyond.pdf
As for infants, these benefits include optimal nutrition, strengthened immune systems, and enhanced bonding with the mother. For mothers, breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery and reduces the risk of certain cancers.
The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Dental Health
FIRST LET’S LOOK AT THE BENEFITS
Breast milk is highly rich in nutrients which helps in stronger formation of teeth.
It contains antibodies & bioactive compounds, also it has very less amount of sugar as compared to formula. This protects from tooth decay.
Breastfeeding stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
The act of breastfeeding promotes healthy jaw development of your baby, leading to better alignment of teeth and prevalence of dental issues in future.
In contrast to bottle-feeding, in breastfeeding milk is delivered slowly and directly to the back of the mouth, minimizing the exposure of teeth to sugars.
ADDRESSING THE THREAT
Extended breastfeeding, beyond the first year, especially when combined with poor oral hygiene practices, may increase the risk of tooth decay (cavities).
TIPS ON ENHANCING THE ORAL HYGIENE OF YOUR CHILD
- Clean your baby’s gums with damp cloth after feeding.
- As soon as the first tooth erupt start brushing with soft bristle brush.
- Avoid feeding your baby to sleep, but it’s okay to do so until their first tooth erupts if needed.
- Babies often mimic their parents’ behaviours. Let your baby see you taking care of your own oral hygiene to reinforce the importance of dental care.
- Visit us regularly for biannual routine dental check-ups starting from your baby’s first birthday. As early intervention can prevent the development of cavities and other dental issues like Tooth Eruption Disorders, Malocclusion, Underdeveloped jaw, Nursing Caries, Cleft Lip and Palate, Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia), Enamel Hypoplasia.
I assure that when you will follow these tips, your baby is at least risk & maximum benefit to safeguard while breastfeeding.
Now that’s enough of talking, lets meet at Cranbourne Dental Centre & celebrate your motherhood.
I am eager to meet your little one!