How does breastfeeding affect a kid’s tooth?
Breastfeeding can help your baby’s immune system and prevent health concerns such as asthma, ear infections, childhood obesity and other concerns.
Breastfeeding mothers also may have reduced risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.
But did you know that breastfeeding can have an influence on the baby’s oral health?
How can breastfeeding benefit a baby’s oral health?
Breastfeeding is known to have positive effects on baby’s oral health, here are some:
1- Breastfeeding helps with the development of mouth, jaw, bite structure and mouth function.
Many recent studies discovered that newborns who were breastfed for the first 6 months were less likely to develop tooth alignment abnormalities for babies who were solely breastfed for shorter periods of time or not at all; as breastfeeding requires a baby to engage their tongue and jaw muscles in the same manner when they begin to eat solid meals, it can assist in encouraging appropriate tooth alignment and avoid disorders.
2- Delivery of essential nutrients.
Breast milk gives children the nutrients they require to develop and flourish. Each of these nutrients is necessary for the maintenance of healthy gums and teeth once they have emerged. Breast milk provides anti-inflammatory fatty acids, proteins that help create strong jaw muscles, and vitamins essential for general dental health.
3- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of bottle tooth decay.
Another advantage of breastfeeding is a lower chance of infant bottle tooth decay, which occurs when the baby’s teeth are exposed to sugary liquids on a regular and sustained basis, this sort of tooth rot is common. It usually affects the top front teeth, although other teeth may also be impacted.
Breast milk helps fight bacteria in the mouth, which is why it can help prevent tooth decay. Some research discovered that, under normal conditions, the natural antibacterial activity of antibodies was sufficient to keep tooth decay away in infants with good teeth.
However, cavities can still occur in breastfed babies. Breast milk, like formula, includes sugar while being natural. That’s why, whether your kid is breastfed or bottle-fed, it is critical to care for his or her teeth from the beginning.
How to take care of your baby’s tooth?
1- After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, wet towel to eliminate bacteria that might be stuck in there.
2- Brush your child’s teeth using a little quantity of water, baby’s toothbrush, and a little fluoride toothpaste.
3- Around the age of two, begin training your child to spit while cleaning his or her teeth.
4- As your child reaches the age of three, switch to a higher dose of fluoride toothpaste.
5- Make an appointment with a dentist before your child turns one. Your pediatric dentist will do a basic assessment and demonstrate correct brushing and flossing procedures.
In conclusion, always seek medical advice for your baby’s dental health and make sure to teach them to follow a healthy lifestyle.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/breastfeeding
