Breastmilk Can Cause Cavities
Tooth decay is becoming a bigger problem in young children as sugary drinks are more available and even breast milk has the potential to cause cavities. It can be easily avoided with good dental hygiene and avoiding the use of bottles for sugary drinks like fruit juice as the liquid tends to pool in the mouth and increase the chances of tooth decay. The same theory applies to breast milk as night time feeds in particular often end with both mother and baby dozing, allowing the milk to pool in the mouth. However, as long as good dental care is taken, the effects should be minimized. Experts recommend cleaning the gums and teeth after feeds even during the night. Read the following articles to learn more.
Article: Breast Milk Causes More Cavities Than Cow’s Milk
Article: Federal study finds cavities increasing in baby teeth
This entry was contributed by Claire Connolly.
May 17th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
This is great information. I think most people associate tooth decay with the sugary drinks, but the same can be found in any other drinks as well. I think, bottom line, anything you allow to sit in the mouth for any period of time is not too healthy.
May 21st, 2007 at 10:01 am
Wow, this is news to me. I would have never guessed. I think many of us simply assmue mother’s milk is perfect.
May 22nd, 2007 at 1:03 am
Wow, I had never thought about the potential of breast milk to cause cavities. This is definitely something I’ll have to let my pregnant sister know about, as I’m sure she wouldn’t have considered it either. Thanks for the great advice!
May 27th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Hey, as far as your comment on my post is concerned, I completely agree. As an Irish-American, I definately sympathize for immigrants in any land. The main point of my article was to be wary of the British government - not the British people - because, as the saying goes, those who do not learn from the mistakes of history are bound to repeat them in the future.
June 1st, 2007 at 11:15 pm
I’ve heard this condition called ‘bottle mouth.’ From what I read, it is caused primarily from babies being allowed to sleep with a bottle. That seems like a simpler solution to me than cleaning a baby’s teeth every two hours in the night.
June 5th, 2007 at 12:05 am
This is good information. My pediatrician always advised us about that, i think all pediatricians should tell this to new parents.