Breastfeeding at night causes cavities?
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No. Your baby is 1yr. Breastfeeding does not cause cavities. Formula and other milk does, but not breastmilk. Breastmilk contains immunoglobulins that actually helps to prevent cavities. There are no credible studies that show nursing causes cavities. There is speculation that nursing past the age of 2 increases the risk of cavities, but there isn’t any actual evidence, because studies did not take other risk factors into account (oral hygiene, frequency to dentists, diet). They assume this because humans do not produce a lot of saliva at night (which protects the teeth from decay). You need to maintain good oral hygiene, though, and a healthy diet for the baby. A lot of parents do not care for their child’s teeth and give their child sugar or send them to sleep with a bottle, which causes tooth decay. My mom is a pediatric dentist and sees this kind of thing a lot. She advocates for breastfeeding, but not bottle feeding at night without brushing teeth afterwards.
“Supposedly” it does I know all children are different but I breastfed nightly for 18 months (no cavities) and breastfeeding as well right now my other child. I’ve never met a breastfeeding mom who weaned at 12 months to avoid cavities honestly. You can check with a lactation consultant/ pediatric dentist.
My pediatric dentist ( dentist our regular dentist added to their team last year) said to ideally brush teeth after breastfeeding, or at least wipe mouth out. But honestly the bigger thing is just get your child used to their mouth and teeth being handled with a brush using a soft bristle brush or gentle washcloth.
Pediatrician s don't know dental things. Dentists go to school for dental things. Pediatrician is a gp for kids. They know a lot about a lot of things.... But because of that they don't know much specific in any specific area
My lactation consultants just said if breastfeeding from the breast there’s different rules at play with nighttime feedings and brushing. I think as long as you’re brushing teeth twice a day you’re good. Also pediatricians are not well versed on breastfeeding. My pediatrician said at one he thinks breastmilk is the same as cows milk and to limit it. My lactation consultants were like 🥴😵💫😤 it’s not the same. Lol
Also the World Health Organization and the AAP encourages breastfeeding until 2 or longer if mom and baby are okay with it. For pediatricians to say at 1 “okay that’s enough” or “limit it” or “cut out biologically normal night nursing” is wild to me. Also breastfeeding from the breast helps with proper teeth and palate formation. Just listen to your gut. I promise if it feels biologically normal to you it’s right.
It can cause what’s called ‘bottle rot’ Basically the milk can sit behind the teeth and wear at the enamel and cause cavities. Just like certain foods can if you don’t brush your teeth. My pediatrician has given me so much info about it because she’s seen it in the past and it’s really sad