Are you a nursing parent? Did you know that breastfeeding offers many great benefits to both you and your child, especially as it pertains to your oral health? Apart from its ability to fight infections and reduce the chances of SIDS in infants, it can also positively impact both you and your baby’s teeth and gums in various ways. The following article about nursing and oral health in McKinney explains the benefits of breastfeeding that will leave you and your little one with a healthier smile.
New Teeth Doesn’t Have to Mean the End of Breastfeeding
Naturally, your child’s teeth will begin to erupt. This typically occurs around the age of 6 months, but it can vary from child to child. Just because these first few teeth come in does not mean it has to mark the end of your breastfeeding journey. Instead, you can continue to nurse as long as you feel it is best for your baby. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends this practice for the first year of a baby’s life. Ultimately, it is up to you and what you feel is appropriate.
Nursing May Help to Improve Your Baby’s Bite
It’s important to note that exclusive breastfeeding does not mean your baby won’t need orthodontic intervention someday. While many published studies suggest that exclusive nursing for 6 months can reduce the chances of a child having serious bite alignment issues (i.e., overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite), each child is different. Genetics and non-nutritive habits (i.e., thumb sucking, pacifier use) can also dictate whether a child will eventually need braces. The most important step a new parent can take is to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in McKinney by the time they turn one or when the first tooth erupts. This will allow a dental professional to monitor the eruption of new teeth and ensure they are coming in at the right time.
The Risk of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is Reduced
By choosing to exclusively breastfeed, you are lower the risk for your child to experience baby bottle tooth decay. Oftentimes, when a bottle is given to an infant at bedtime, its contents will remain on the teeth throughout the night, causing the enamel to break down over time and result in tooth decay. Unless the bottled is filled with plain water, which does not promote dental decay, any other substance (i.e., formula, juice) will likely contain sugar, which is a breeding ground for bad bacteria that can lead to cavities.
Cleaning Teeth is Important for Breastfed Babies
Just because you choose to solely breastfeed doesn’t mean you can skip regular teeth cleaning. Even before your baby’s first tooth erupts, it is best to use a clean washcloth to gently clean their gums and remove any milk from their soft tissues. Once their teeth begin to erupt, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush along with fluoride toothpaste (no more than a grain of rice) to thoroughly clean these primary teeth.
Nursing Moms Should Take Care of Themselves, Too
One of the most important tips to remember is to take care of yourself during this stage in life. While you are taking strides to care for your child’s oral health, it’s necessary that you take time to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This is crucial to avoiding gum disease, tooth decay, and other more serious problems (i.e., oral cancer, bite alignment issues). This is one of the best things you can do for your baby, as you will not only start setting a good example for your child but also help them to get comfortable and excited about oral hygiene as they grow older.
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, we believe in helping parents find ways to improve their children’s oral health. Whether it is with tips to eliminate non-nutritive habits or provide guidance on how to make breastfeeding manageable while a baby is teething, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are here to help you every step of the way.
About the Authors
As fathers and board-certified pediatric dentists in McKinney, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo know about the many oral health benefits that come with nursing a baby. This is why they are dedicated to helping new parents navigate these early months and years while their children undergo numerous oral and facial changes. If you need help to learn what you can do to keep your baby’s smile looking and feeling its best while nursing, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212.