PROLONGED BREASTFEEDING DOES NOT CAUSE TOOTH DECAY

There are many false myths that revolve around breastfeeding beyond six months, but perhaps one of the most widespread is the claim that prolonged breastfeeding causes tooth decay.

In Babies and More, we have repeatedly explained how tooth decay occurs in the first baby teeth (also known as "bottle caries"). But in the face of the controversy that has recently emerged and that relates the appearance of caries with prolonged breastfeeding, we once again insist on the importance of breaking down this false myth. Why not, Prolonged breastfeeding does not cause tooth decay.

Caries in the first milk teeth

Bottle cavities or childhood caries are a common oral problem in infants and young children, which consists of destruction of the tooth as a result of demineralization of the dental surface, due to the bacteria that feed on the remains that remain in the mouth.

Cavities can appear from the first milk tooth. That is why it is essential to take care of oral hygiene since our children are babies, and carry out the corresponding follow-ups with the pediatric dentist.

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Why do they occur?

The three main factors involved in caries are the bacteria, the sugars and certain risk factors that some people may present, such as enamel defects, irregular anatomy of the dental surface, certain diseases or pathologies ...

The Freshly born baby teeth are especially susceptible to decay, since they are still weak and not completely mineralized. If, at this delicate stage, germs adhere to the tooth and are not removed with proper brushing, there is a high risk of tooth decay.

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Does breastfeeding cause tooth decay?

Unfortunately, many mothers are recommended to wean their children in the presence of tooth decay in the first teeth of milk. However, from the Lactation Advisory Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics insist on affirming that there is no scientific evidence that relates the appearance of caries with prolonged breastfeeding.

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"Among other reasons, we cannot ignore that if breastfeeding had been the cause of decay, findings would have been found in prehistoric populations and it has not been so. On the other hand, the fact that the prevalence of caries in humans is much higher than that of other mammals suggests that there must be other factors involved, other than breast milk "

But in addition to these data, the Committee reminds us that the components of breast milk help protect oral health, since:

Contains defense factors that inhibit bacterial growth, among them: immunoglobulins (especially Ig A9), lactoferrin - which deprives bacteria of iron and only releases it in the presence of receptors in the intestine - and enzymes, such as lysozyme and lactoperoxidases with antimicrobial action.
It contains minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, and proteins such as casein that make breast milk favors tooth remineralization
It contains components such as arginine and urea, which favor an increase in pH and therefore decrease demineralization.
It contains an adequate pH (the pH of breast milk ranges between 7.1 and 7.7), which does not change the pH in the oral environment.

All these components and their physiological action explain that breast milk itself is not cariogenic but rather the opposite, prevents the development of caries

The experts of the Breastfeeding Committee insist on the duty of all health professionals in protect and promote breastfeeding, correctly informing mothers from scientific evidence:

"Affirming that prolonged breastfeeding causes tooth decay, without a conclusive scientific basis, discredits the benefits of breastfeeding, blames mothers who choose to continue breastfeeding beyond two years and discourages others from continuing to do so, poorly advised by the professionals themselves or pressured for a reason that lacks justification, thus ceasing to enjoy all the benefits of prolonged breastfeeding. "

And if it wasn't enough with him protective effect against cavities, Dr. Juan Carlos Pérez Varela, president of the Spanish Society of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (SEDO), points out the important benefits of breastfeeding in the oral development of children, because:

Contributes positively to the development of the masticatory apparatus
Prevents dentomaxillofacial anomalies, since it has been proven that nipple suction turns out to be the best exercise for proper growth and development of the mouth and jaw
Prevents dental malocclusions

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How can we avoid the appearance of caries in childhood?

Although the name, "caries of the bottle", can lead us to think that only the bottle can cause them, it is not quite true. However, the appearance of caries is more likely in those children who fall asleep frequently with a bottle in their mouth, since we won't be able to clean your teeth until after a good time.

But in addition to avoiding this practice, there are several measures we can take to prevent the onset of childhood caries:

Avoid sugary drinks that can harm the oral health of the baby or young child, such as juices, soft drinks, infusions ... And it is that in addition to being completely unsuitable for your diet, have a high cariogenic potential.
Do not impregnate the pacifier in sugary foods such as honey, juices, sweets ... Well, in addition to increasing the risk of obesity, this practice raises the chances of developing tooth decay.
Opt for breastfeeding or artificial, it is essential start early oral hygiene since the appearance of the first tooth. We can start by cleaning your gums and teeth with a small damp gauze after eating and before bedtime.
As the child grows, he must incorporate brushing your teeth into daily hygiene, but parents should watch that they do it correctly, and that they use the toothpaste corresponding to their age.

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According to experts, tobacco smoke would affect passive smoking children, increasing the risk of caries. One more reason for protect children from smoke environments.
The germs responsible for caries are easily transmitted through saliva. Hence the experts recommend don't clean your pacifiers with our saliva, teats, spoons ..., not sharing cutlery, not biting their food, not kissing them on the mouth ... Also, avoiding these practices will help prevent the spread of much more serious diseases.

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In short, prolonged breastfeeding by itself, It is not linked to the appearance of caries in childhood, and also, it brings great benefits to the child's health (including oral health). Cavities appear due to a host of factors that we can prevent mostly.