Is breast milk bad for teeth?

[tory79]

Took 11mo old ds to the dentist today for his first little check up! The dentist asked if he was still breastfed, and then asked if he ever fell asleep at the breast, which he does sometimes, but is plonked in his cot fairly quickly after that The dentist said that it was not good for babies to fall asleep at the breast as they carry on sucking but don't swallow properly, which means that milk then sits around the teeth and thats bad for them.

Does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks

Ive never heard that one before.

Never come across this idea before. I don't think I took my DCs to the dentist so young, but I can't really remember. Baby teeth get replaced, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. BF my youngest until he was 3.5 and he has perfect teeth.

I think I read that breast milk has a higher sugar content than formula so that could be why?

But I thought that when bf the nipple is way back past the teeth, unlike bottle feeding where the milk can pool around them?

It's as bad as cows milk or formula. It's the pooling of milk the dentist was referring to (I hope) not the fact it's breast milk. If you were FF and ds fell asleep with a bottle the dentist would say the exact same thing about the formula.

I haven't heard that one before but will be googling it now.

Really Mr Dentist? I'd have thought benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh potential chance of damage to milk teeth. Shame on him for scaremongering. Breastmilk is what babies are supposed to drink. I'm sure there are far worse things that should be higher on his hit list.

That's why there called milk teeth.

I'm also a dentist. Breast milk is not great for teeth. However, to cause much damage there need to be bacteria on the teeth. So... If you are feeding to sleep simply make sure the teeth are well brushed first. You will limit the damage hugely.

As an aside, yes the baby teeth will drop out. But if you let them rot they may still hurt, get infected, cause facial swelling and / or sepsis ( both potentially life threatening) and cause damage to the permanent teeth. And probably need a general anaesthetic with its own risks to remove. If I hear words to the effect "baby teeth don't matter, they just fall out" again I will scream!

Look up Kellymom :)

Yes breastmilk is sugary, but it is also anti-bacterial (unlike formula)

It has approximately the same impact on teeth as water unless there are other foodstuffs present.

So as dentist above said, clean teeth before bed :)

Also re pooling AFAIK the position of the nipple, plus the fact that breasts don't just drip milk mean that pooling of milk is not an issue with BF.

"It has approximately the same impact on teeth as water"

Erm...not entirely sure that's correct?
Can you post a reliable medical source that says that?

From:

kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/tooth-decay

(references at bottom of article)

Is Breastfeeding Linked to Tooth Decay?

July 28, 2011. Posted in: After the First Year,Older Infant

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By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

It?s often said that breastfeeding (particularly while lying down at night) will cause tooth decay, just like letting a baby sleep with a bottle of milk can cause ?baby bottle mouth.? Essentially, a valid link has not been made between nursing (nighttime or otherwise) and cavities.

Before the use of the baby bottle, dental decay in baby teeth was rare. Two dentists, Dr. Brian Palmer and Dr. Harold Torney, have done extensive research on human skulls (from 500-1000 years ago) in their study of tooth decay in children. Of course these children were breastfed, probably for an extended length of time. Their research has led them to conclude that breastfeeding does not cause tooth decay.

One of the reasons for nighttime bottles causing tooth decay is the pooling of the liquid in baby?s mouth (where the milk/juice bathes baby?s teeth for long periods of time). Breastmilk is not thought to pool in the baby?s mouth in the same way as bottled milk because the milk doesn?t flow unless the baby is actively sucking. Also, milk from the breast enters the baby?s mouth behind the teeth. If the baby is actively sucking then he is also swallowing, so pooling breast milk in the baby?s mouth appears not to be an issue.

A bacteria (present in plaque) called strep mutans is the cause of tooth decay. These bacteria use food sugars to produce acid ? this acid directly causes the decay. Strep mutans thrives in a combination of sugars, low amounts of saliva and a low ph-level in the saliva. A portion of the population (around 20%) is thought to have increased levels of this high acid producing bacteria, putting them at higher risk for developing dental decay. After your baby gets teeth, he can get this bacteria through saliva to saliva contact from mother (or other caregiver) to baby. To help prevent transfer of this bacteria to baby, avoid any saliva to saliva contact such as sharing spoons & cups, wet kisses on the mouth, chewing food for baby, or putting baby?s pacifier in your mouth. On the other hand, one study indicates that children of moms with high levels of strep mutans may actually have some protection (immunization) from decay through frequent saliva to saliva contact in the months before baby?s teeth erupt.

Per Brian Palmer, ?Human milk alone does not cause dental caries. Infants exclusively breastfed are not immune to decay due to other factors that impact the infant?s risk for tooth decay. Decay causing bacteria (streptococcus mutans) is transmitted to the infant by way of parents, caregivers, and others? (Palmer 2002).

Up until recently, the only studies that had been done were on the effects of lactose (milk sugar, which breastmilk does contain) on teeth, not the effects of complete breastmilk with all its components. Breastmilk also contains lactoferrin, a component in breastmilk that actually kills strep mutans (the bacteria that causes tooth decay). According to a recent article in the March/April 1999 issue of Pediatric Dentistry, ?It is concluded that human breast milk is not cariogenic.? This study utilized extracted teeth to obtain most of its results and studied children only for determining the pH changes in dental plaque (Erickson 1999). A Finnish study could not find any correlation between caries and breastfeeding among children who were breastfed longer (up to 34 months) (Alaluusua 1990). Valaitis et al concluded, ?In a systematic review of the research on early childhood caries, methodology, variables, definitions, and risk factors have not been consistently evaluated. There is not a constant or strong relationship between breastfeeding and the development of dental caries. There is no right time to stop breastfeeding, and mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed as long as they wish.? (Valaitis 2000).

In a study done by Dr. Torney, no correlation was found between early onset (< 2 yrs) dental caries and breastfeeding patterns such as frequent night feeds, feeding to sleep, etc. He is convinced that under normal circumstances, the antibodies in breastmilk counteract the bacteria in the mouth that cause decay. However, if there are small defects in the enamel, the teeth become more vulnerable and the protective effect of breastmilk is not enough to counteract the combined effect of the bacteria and the sugars in the milk. Enamel defects occur when the first teeth are forming in utero. His explanation is based on quite a large study of long-term breastfed children with and without caries.

According to this research, a baby who is exclusively breastfed (no supplemental bottles, juice, or solids) will not have decay unless he is genetically predisposed, i.e.. soft or no enamel. In a baby who does have a genetic problem, weaning will not slow down the rate of decay and may speed it up due to lack of lactoferrin.

Much research indicates that it?s the other foods in baby?s diet (rather than breastmilk) that tend to be the main problem when it comes to tooth decay. The 1999 Erickson study (in which healthy teeth were immersed in different solutions) indicated that breastmilk alone was practically identical to water and did not cause tooth decay ? another experiment even indicated that the teeth became stronger when immersed in breastmilk. However, when a small amount of sugar was added to the breastmilk, the mixture was worse than a sugar solution when it came to causing tooth decay. This study emphasizes the importance of tooth brushing and good dental hygiene.

A study by Dr. Norman Tinanoff showed that breastmilk in itself does not give rise to cavities as much as was previously thought. Dr. Tinanoff believes that the milk proteins in breastmilk protect the enamel on the teeth, and that the antibacterial qualities in breastmilk stop the bacteria from using the lactose in breastmilk in the same way as regular sugar. This dentist also showed that 5 minutes of breastfeeding lowered the pH-level only slightly more than rinsing the mouth with a little water.

Once your baby gets teeth, it?s a good idea to brush your child?s teeth twice daily and perhaps give him a sip of water after meals to wash food particles away. Also, don?t allow baby to carry a cup or a bottle around during the day. This results in a constant ?bathing? of baby?s teeth with whatever he?s drinking. Decay is directly related to the amount of contact time of a sugary substance with the teeth. Avoid too many sugary, sticky foods as well, and talk to your dentist about the amount of fluoride in your drinking water. You can read more about fluoride supplements for babies here: Does My Baby Need Vitamins?
Links to additional information

Infant Dental Decay ? Is it related to Breastfeeding? by Brian Palmer, DDS These are the notes for one of Dr. Palmer?s slide presentations.

Breastfeeding and Infant Caries: No Connection by Brian Palmer, DDS Published in: ABM NEWS and VIEWS, The Newsletter of The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 2000, Vol. 6, No. 4 (Dec), p27 & 31.

Avoiding Dental Caries by Joylyn Fowler, from New Beginnings, Vol. 19 No. 5, September-October 2002, p. 164- 169

Big Bad Cavities: Breastfeeding Is Not the Cause by Lisa Reagan, from Mothering Issue 113, July/August 2002

Very Young Kids Teeth ? Yahoo email group for parents to share experience and information about dealing with issues with their young children?s teeth and dental health. (Mainly ages 0 to 6 years ? the preschool years).

The Sweet Tooth Truth: Does Breastfeeding Cause Cavities? by Gwen Morrison

LLL information on Breastfeeding and Dental Health

Tooth decay and breastfeeding by Debbi Donovan, IBCLC. From the ParentsPlace ?Ask the Lactation Consultant? series.

Extended Breastfeeding Non-Risk #2: Dental Caries by Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC.

Dental Caries by Kathryn Orlinsky, Ph.D.

Dental Archives at the Mothering.com message boards. The moderator of the dental forum (Smilemomma) is a breastfeeding mom and a practicing dentist.

Breastfeeding May Help Prevent Tooth Decay from breastfeeding.com

Breastfeeding and Dental Health by Janna L. Cataldo, MD

There is also a section on this subject in the latest edition of Mothering Your Nursing Toddler (Revised ed.) by Norma Jean Bumgarner (La Leche League, 2000), pp. 41-48.
References

Breastfeeding and Dental Caries: Selected Bibliography from the LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Aaltonen AS and Tenovuo J. Association between mother-infant salivary contacts and caries resistance in children: a cohort study. Ped Dentistry 1994; 16(2):110-16.

Alaluusua S et al. Prevalence of caries and salivary levels of mutans streptococci in 5-year-old children in relation to duration of breastfeeding. Scan J Dent Res 1990; 98(3):193-96.

Alaluusua S, Myllarniemi S, Kallio M, Salmenpera L, Tainio VM. Prevalence of caries and salivary levels of mutans streptococci in 5-year-old children in relation to duration of breast feeding. Scand J Dent Res. 1990 Jun;98(3):193-6.

Arnold RR et al. A bactericidal effect for human lactoferrin. Science, July 15 1977; 197(4300):263-65.

Berkowitz R. Etiology of nursing caries: a microbiologic perspective. J Public Health Dent. 1996 Winter;56(1):51-4.

Bumgarner NJ. Mothering Your Nursing Toddler (Revised ed.). La Leche League 2000; pp. 41-48.

Effert FM, Gurner BW. Reaction of human and early milk antibodies with oral streptococci. Infect Immun 1984;44:660-64.

Erickson PR, Mazhari E. Investigation of the role of human breast milk in caries development. Pediatr Dent. 1999 Mar-Apr;21(2):86-90.

Erickson PR, McClintock KL, Green N, et al. J. Estimation of the caries-related risk associated with infant formulas. Pediatr Dent 1998;20:395-403.

Hallonsten AL, Wendt LK, Mejare I, et al. Dental caries and prolonged breast-feeding in 18-month-old Swedish children. Int J Paediatr Dent 1995;5(3):149-55.

Mandel ID. Caries Prevention: Current Strategies, New Directions. JADA 1996;127:1477-88.

McDougall W. Effect of milk on enamel demineralization and remineralization in vitro. Caries Res 1977;11:166-72.

Oulis CJ, Berdouses ED, Vadiakas G, Lygidakis NA. Feeding practices of Greek children with and without nursing caries. Pediatr Dent. 1999 Nov-Dec;21(7):409-16.

Palmer B. The Influence of Breastfeeding on the Development of the Oral Cavity: A Commentary. J Hum Lact 1998;14:93-98.

Palmer; B. Breastfeeding and infant caries: No connection. ABM News and Views 2000; 6(4): 27,31.

Roberts GJ et al. Patterns of breast and bottle feeding and their association with dental caries in 1- to 4-year-old South African children. 1. Dental caries prevalence and experience. Comm Dent Hlth 1993; 10:405-13.

Roberts GJ et al. Patterns of breast and bottle feeding and their association with dental caries in 1- to 4-year-old South African children. 2. A case control study of children with nursing caries. Comm Dent Hlth 1994; 11:38-41.

Rugg-Gunn AJ, Roberts GJ, Wright WG. Effect of human milk on plaque pH in situ and enamel dissolution in vitro compared with bovine milk, lactose, and sucrose. Caries Res. 1985;19(4):327-34.

Sinton J et al. A systematic overview of the relationship between infant feeding caries and breastfeeding Ont Dent. 1998 Nov;75(9):23-7.

Slavkin HC. Streptococcus mutans, early childhood caries and new opportunities. J Am Dent Assoc. 1999 Dec;130(12):1787-92.

Tinanoff N et al. Early childhood and caries:overview and recent findings. Dept of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, Univ. of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington USA.

Torney PH, Prolonged, On-Demand Breastfeeding and Dental Decay: An Investigation. Unpublished MDS Thesis. 1992 Dublin.

Valaitis, R et al. A systematic review of the relationship between breastfeeding and early childhood caries. Can J Publ Hlth 00-11/12; 91(6): 411-17.

Weerheijm KL et al. Prolonged demand breastfeeding and nursing caries. Caries Res. 1998;32(1):46-50.

Wendt LK et al. Analysis of caries-related factors in infants and toddlers living in Sweden. Acta Odont Scand 1996; 54(2):131-37.

Woolridge M and Baum JD. The regulation of human milk flow. Perinatal Nutrition, Vol 6, ed. BS Lindblad. London: Academic Press, 1988.

Woolridge M. Anatomy of infant sucking. Midwifery 2: 164-171, 1986.

Breastmilk is fine. It doesn't impact teeth like formula or any other drink because the position the nipple is in the mouth means it doesn't pool around teeth like it does from a bottle or cup.

Your dentist is talking rubbish :)

For KickTheGuru so you don't have to read the whole lot:

" The 1999 Erickson study (in which healthy teeth were immersed in different solutions) indicated that breastmilk alone was practically identical to water and did not cause tooth decay ? another experiment even indicated that the teeth became stronger when immersed in breastmilk. "

It's "practically" like water.

Sugar is practically like sweetner too

Rolls up sleeves and strides in...
"However, when a small amount of sugar was added to the breastmilk, the mixture was worse than a sugar solution when it came to causing tooth decay."

From previous fisticuffs debates the consensus seems to be that breast milk does not contribute to decay until the baby is weaned and then in combination with sugars in food breastmilk is more cariogenic than cows milk.
As a rule I would recommend brushing first and last thing and limiting frequency of sugar containing snacks and drinks be they fruit, sweets or breast milk

He means practically as in for all practical purposes. Obviously it isn't identical.

Read the whole article, it's really interesting.

Effectively any negatives caused by the sugars in breastmilk are offset by the (antibacterial) lactoferrin, causing a net neutral impact on the teeth. Much like water in fact...

MillyMollyMardy

So, I read that as, as long as you thoroughly brush DCs teeth prior to bed, then there will be no additional foodstuffs in mouth, thus breastmilk will not have much of a negative impact.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine yup

I thought we agreed, but I was named quite sure :)

The bit that gets misinterpreted is that breast milk doesn't cause decay. It doesn't on it's own but once a child is weaned in combination it does but so does lots of other stuff as well.