Can Breastfeeding Cause Cavities?
Question: Can breastfeeding cause cavities?
Whether they breastfeed or not, some babies and toddlers seem to be easily afflicted with cavities. Unfortunately for nursing moms, some dentists claim that breastfeeding, especially at night, contributes to cavities in infants and toddlers. They recommend weaning when the baby’s teeth start to come in. Are these dentists justified in making this claim and recommendation?
The dentists who claim that breastfeeding contributes to cavities seem to overlook the fact that there is evidence to contradict their position. In 1998, Stinton wrote about the “weak methodology used” in research linking breastfeeding to cavities, and pointed to contradictory research findings.1 In 1999, Erickson concluded that “human breastmilk is not cariogenic.”2 In 2000, an article written by Brian Palmer, D.D.S., was published in the newsletter of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine that reviewed the literature and concluded the following:
Empiric evidence does not support a causal association between breastfeeding and infant caries. Breastmilk alone, including the lactose in it, does not cause tooth decay. Infants who are exclusively breastfed, however, are not immune to decay as a number of other factors may influence the infant’s risk of caries.
Breastfeeding is critical to the total health and well being of all mammals – both young and old alike throughout the life span. Breastmilk has many proven benefits. Recent studies have documented additional oral and dental benefits including reduced risk of malocclusion, collapsed facial forms, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It is clear that medical and dental communities should begin to educate health insurers and the public about the importance and efficacy of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding truly is the best and cheapest form of health “insurance.”3
Considering that doctors, dentists, and researchers don’t see any connection between breastfeeding and cavities, a nursing mother has no reason to discontinue breastfeeding out of fear of causing damage to her child’s teeth. Dentists who insist that breastfeeding causes cavities and recommend early weaning should reconsider their position and base their recommendations on fact instead fiction.
References:
1. Sinton J, Valaitis R, Passarelli C, et al. A systematic overview of the relationship between infant feeding caries and breast-feeding. Ont Dent 1998;75:23-27.
2. Erickson PR, Mazhari E. Investigation of the role of human breast milk in caries development. Pediatr Dent 1999 ZMar-Apr;21(2):86-90
3. Palmer. Breastfeeding and Infant Caries: No Connection. ABM NEWS and VIEWS, The Newsletter of The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 2000, Vol.6, No. 4 (Dec), p27 & 31.
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