Dentist Shares 5 Big Things All Breastfeeding Mothers Should Know

For many mothers, breastfeeding offers a seemingly perfect way to bond with their child and feed them at the same time. According to numerous studies, breast milk can help babies fight infections, reduce their risk for asthma, and even lower the chances of SIDS. However, something that is not talked about very often is the impact breastfeeding can have on a child’s dental health. Today, a dentist in West Seneca shares 5 important facts every nursing mom should keep in mind.

1. Breastfeeding Can Help Your Baby’s Teeth Come in Straighter

Simply breastfeeding a baby is not a guaranteed way to avoid braces later in life, but recent studies have revealed that when an infant is only breastfed for the first six months, they are less likely to develop teeth alignment issues, such as a cross bite, over bite, or open bite.

2. You Can Still Breastfeed After Their Teeth Come In

Just because your baby’s teeth are starting to come in does not necessarily mean you need to immediately begin the weaning process. In fact, breastfeeding can be very soothing for a teething baby (as well as everyone else in the house!). The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages moms to breastfeed for the first year, but of course, you and your child’s doctor can decide what is best.

3. Watch Out for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Many nursing moms will keep a few bottles on hand with either milk or formula for convenient feeding while on the go, but it is important that you do not allow your child to sleep with a bottle in their mouth. This can expose their teeth to sugar for hours on end, leading to something called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. If you exclusively breastfeed, this will not be a problem, but if you ever use a bottle, make sure your child only has it when they are feeding unless it contains only water.

4. Make Sure to Clean Your Child’s Mouth

You should be looking after your baby’s dental health even before those first little teeth show up! After every feeding, gently wipe their gums with a damp cloth to remove anything left on their gums. This will protect them from developing irritation or an oral infection. Once their teeth start to come in, you can gently brush them with a child-sized toothbrush and a rice grain-sized bit of toothpaste.

5. Talk to a Dentist

Whether you primarily breastfeed or not, it is always recommended that you talk to a family dentist in West Seneca as soon as your child’s teeth start to show up. With their help, they will make sure your child’s teeth come in correctly and do not develop preventable dental problems such as cavities.

Breastfeeding is beneficial in so many tangible and intangible ways, and by keeping these facts in mind, you can make sure your little one has a healthy, beautiful smile right from day one.

About the Author

Dr. Kathleen Tytka received her dental degree from the SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She went on to achieve her Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate while working at the Western New York Veterans Hospital. To get more helpful tips on how to take care of your baby’s brand new smile, she can be contacted through her website.