In the Know for You to Know

Breastfeeding is special for so many reasons and it is one of the first decisions you make as a new mom about how to feed your child. Breastfeeding is a remarkable experience that also has health benefits for both you and your baby.

Breast milk can help infants fight infection, decrease the risk of allergies, asthma, and obesity, as well as lowering the risk of SIDS. Nursing mothers may lower their chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Did you know breastfeeding also has an impact on both your baby’s and your dental health?

Here’s a look at how —

Mom, You Don’t Have to Wean As Your Baby Gets Teeth

This is an often asked concern about teething and breastfeeding. Many nursing moms decide it’s time to stop breastfeeding when their baby starts teething or they first notice a tooth. Usually, this is because they’ve heard that the baby can nip the breast at the end of a feeding session, or, another nursing parent voiced fears about being bitten. Yet there are many teething babies and babies with teeth who never bite when breastfeeding. So the answer is you don’t have to stop if you don’t want to.

Every mother-child breastfeeding experience is individual and special. The decision to stop breastfeeding is important to discuss with your pediatrician when you think it’s the best for you and your baby, and not just because the teeth are coming in.

Breastfed Babies Can Still Get Cavities

Can breast feeding cause cavities? Is an often asked question by nursing mothers. The short answer is yes, and this is because breast milk does contain sugar in addition to all of the other good things.

The long answer is that the benefits of breastfeeding for infants in their first year of life help to ensure the best possible health for your baby and your family.

However, frequent and nightly (and nap time) breastfeeding (and baby bottle use) beyond 12 months of age is associated with increased early childhood cavity risk.

This is why it’s important to never let your baby fall asleep while feeding. Breastfeeding infants who fall asleep while nursing with milk in their mouths are also vulnerable to cavities.

Take care for your infant’s mouth from the start, even before teeth come in. Starting right after birth begin wiping your baby’s mouth and gums with a clean, moist washcloth after each feeding every day.

Breastfeeding May Help Build a Better Bite

The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry found that babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life were less likely to have teeth alignment issues.

While every baby and every child is different, this doesn’t mean your exclusively breastfed baby won’t need braces someday. Other factors, like genetics, pacifier use, and thumb sucking also affect tooth alignment.

Mom, You Need To Take Care of Yourself

Being a mom is stressful. You have no time to take care of yourself. Remember if you’re not healthy (and this also goes for your dental health), you will not have the time and the energy to make sure your baby is healthy.

So what you need to do —
Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated by drinking water. Plain, fluoridated water is great for you to stay hydrated, for the tooth protective benefits of fluoride and your mouth to stay moist (as opposed to dry which can make you not feel your best).

Brush your teeth twice a day, Yes you are exhausted but you need to do this because if you let this slide then the bad bacteria in the mouth grows and not only causes cavities but can be transmitted to your baby by kissing and sharing (or licking) their spoon.

Another reason to brush is so that you don’t accumulate that sticky film (plaque) and hard tarter on your teeth which increases the risk for gum disease.

Some new moms may experience jaw pain, sore neck muscles, or grinding (clenching). Tell your dentist if you’re having any of these symptoms, you don’t have to grin and bear it.

Need Dental Care? Let Your Dentist Know You’re Breastfeeding

It’s safe and important for you to go to the dentist while you’re pregnant and while you’re nursing. It’s also very important for the best health of your child.

If you need to have a dental procedure that requires medication while nursing, discuss this with your dentist, your personal physician and your pediatrician.

You can even ask your dentist to call your OB, your primary care provider, and your pediatrician directly before or during your appointment to address any concerns you have.

You’ve got this!

Every woman’s motherhood journey is meaningful and special. What’s your hack for including and taking care of your dental health in your usual mom day? We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!