{"id":13425,"date":"2020-05-05T08:00:09","date_gmt":"2020-05-05T12:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drmaggiedavis.com\/?p=13425"},"modified":"2023-11-08T14:15:40","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T14:15:40","slug":"how-breastfeeding-impacts-your-childs-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drmaggiedavis.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/05\/how-breastfeeding-impacts-your-childs-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Breastfeeding Impacts Your Child’s Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"Breastfeeding has proven to have countless benefits for both mother and baby. Many people are aware that it protects against allergies and eczema, reduces the risk of viruses and certain infections, and can even lessen the threat of SIDS. But did you know that breastfeeding can also affect the oral health of your baby?<\/span>\n

Delivers Essential Nutrients<\/b><\/h2>\nBreast milk provides children with the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Each of these nutrients is important for maintaining healthy gums and teeth, once they erupt. Breast milk contains fatty acids which reduce inflammation, proteins which help build strong jaw muscles, and vitamins needed for good overall oral health.<\/span>\n

Aids in Bite Alignment<\/b><\/h2>\nIn a recent study, researchers discovered that babies who were breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their life were 72 percent less likely to develop crooked teeth. This is primarily due to the sucking mechanism that differs between breastfed and bottle-fed babies. Breastfeeding stimulates the lower facial muscles which can help tone and strengthen the jaw. This can reduce the risk of bite alignment as the child grows.<\/span>\n

Reduces the Risk of Tooth Decay<\/b><\/h2>\nWhile any child can suffer from tooth decay, babies who are bottle-fed are more likely to develop cavities. Baby bottle tooth decay can occur due to frequent, prolonged exposure of a baby\u2019s teeth to beverages that contain sugar; for example, when a baby is put to sleep with a bottle. Breastfeeding minimizes the risk of baby bottle tooth decay as most babies who breastfeed are not usually exposed to milk for as long of a period as bottle-fed babies.<\/span>\n\nBreastfeeding can also ward off cavities in other ways. Breast milk contains antibodies that help fight back against harmful bacteria in the mouth. This antibiotic effect of antibodies helps to counteract the effect of tooth decay to help children maintain a healthy smile. This is especially important for children who have certain genetic defects or health conditions that cause soft enamel, making them more prone to tooth decay.<\/span>\n

Tips for Breastfeeding Moms<\/b><\/h2>\nMany pediatric dental specialists recommend starting good oral hygiene care before your baby\u2019s first tooth even appears. While you might not be able to see your little one\u2019s teeth, they\u2019re still there. In fact, teeth begin to form as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. Most babies will have 20 primary teeth when they are born, some of which are fully developed in the jaw.<\/span>\n\nTo help care for your child\u2019s smile, follow these simple tips:<\/span>\n