Does Breastfeeding at Night Lead to Tooth Decay?
You’ve probably heard of “baby bottle mouth”–how letting your baby go to sleep with a bottle of formula will result in a mouthful of rotting, decaying teeth.
But what about breastfeeding your baby to sleep or nursing throughout the night? Will this practice also destroy your baby’s precious new teeth?
Well, the answer depends on who you ask. Not all pediatricians will give you the same answer. According to board-certified lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata, a valid link has not been made between breastfeeding and tooth decay.
Many breastfeeding experts believe that cavities happen DESPITE nursing, not because of it. Certainly the evidence points to breastfeeding being best for baby’s teeth and oral development. Breastfed babies need less orthodontia as they grow older. In one study, teeth were placed in a container of water, and another in a container of breastmilk. The tooth soaked in breastmilk showed less signs of decay than the one in plain water!
Formula wrecks havoc on teeth because it pools in the mouth, bathing teeth in sugar, which just sits there throughout the night. Breastmik is not thought to pool in the mouth the way formula does since baby has to work hard to “milk” the nipple, drawing it back onto the soft palate, where it goes down the throat. Breastmilk enters a baby’s mouth beyond the teeth where it can’t cause so much harm.
Keep in mind that some babies are genetically predisposed to cavities and will develop caries much more easily than others. Whether your baby is exclusively breastfed or eating some solid foods, make sure to clean his teeth twice a day. All you need to do is lightly wipe the teeth–no toothpaste necessary.
Book Recommendation:
Cure Tooth Decay: Prevent, Heal And Prevent Cavities With Nutrition
Tags: bad breastfeeding advice, breastfeeding and health care, breastfeeding tips, Nursing Your Baby, nursing your older baby
