I know you’re here wondering does breastfeeding cause cavities, can breast milk cause cavities, or even, does breast milk prevent cavities? Let’s jump into “does breastfeeding cause tooth decay?” and each of these other topics, now!
Does Breastmilk Cause Cavities?
So, your baby has some pretty little teeth popping through their gums, does this mean you can’t breastfeed your baby to sleep anymore?
Firstly, one of my favorite lactation quotes from Dr. Jake Gorson says, “We would be a dead branch on the evolutionary tree if human milk rotted human teeth.”
This is incredibly true!
Remarkably, in one study from 2019, scientists took baby teeth and soaked them in breastmilk, formula, and a probiotic-containing formula.
After one week, they measured the change in minerals. They found soaking the baby teeth in breastmilk substantially increased the amount of calcium in the teeth and slightly decreased the amount of phosphorus [1].
Furthermore, the teeth soaked in plain infant formula or probiotic-containing formula both lost a significant amount of both minerals [1].
Next, a systemic review of the literature in July 2019 concluded that breastfeeding for more than 24 months did not increase the risk of cavities for children [2].
Lastly, a 2014 study found that children were more likely to have cavities by 5 years old if they breastfed for less than 6 months than if they breastfed for longer than 6 months [3].
The current theory is that the rich microbiome of human milk helps to establish oral and intestinal floras. These floras then provide protection against the development of cavities.
The Anatomy of Breastfeeding
Additionally, keep in mind that while breastfeeding, your nipple reaches the back of your baby’s throat.
Your nipple is not by the center of your baby’s tongue soaking their teeth in breastmilk.
Still, of course, some will reach their teeth maybe with their sucking motions moving their tongue, but we now know that breastmilk is not harmful to their teeth anyways!
Noteworthy, remember that genetics plays a role in the number of cavities one may get. Some people are more or less susceptible than others!
I hope this post helped you feel assured that breastfeeding will not give your baby cavities.
Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding beyond 12 months in: The Powerful Benefits of Breastfeeding Your Toddler.
Plus, check out Everything You Need to Know About Teething Remedies At Home!
Questions or Comments on “Does Breastfeeding Cause Cavities?”
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Talk soon, mama!
– Katelyn Lauren
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Sources:
[1] Aly AAM, Erfan D, Abou El Fadl RK. Comparative evaluation of the effects of human breast milk and plain and probiotic-containing infant formulas on enamel mineral content in primary teeth: an in vitro study [published online ahead of print, 2019 May 23]. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2019;10.1007/s40368-019-00448-2. doi:10.1007/s40368-019-00448-2.
[2] Moynihan P, Tanner LM, Holmes RD, et al. Systematic Review of Evidence Pertaining to Factors That Modify Risk of Early Childhood Caries. JDR Clin Trans Res. 2019;4(3):202–216. doi:10.1177/2380084418824262.
[3] Neves PA, Ribeiro CC, Tenuta LM, et al. Breastfeeding, Dental Biofilm Acidogenicity, and Early Childhood Caries. Caries Res. 2016;50(3):319–324. doi:10.1159/000445910
[4] Nirunsittirat A, Pitiphat W, McKinney CM, et al. Breastfeeding Duration and Childhood Caries: A Cohort Study. Caries Res. 2016;50(5):498–507. doi:10.1159/000448145.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
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