A member asked:
Is it true that nursing can cause tooth decay? i've heard that nursing can cause a child's teeth to decay, especially if they nurse right before falling asleep. is there any truth to this? if so, is there anything we can do to prevent it?
5 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Wollockanswered
Dentistry 30 years experience
Columbia,
It : Columbia,
it really depends on how long your nursing. Mothers natural milk has natural sugars that can and will cause cavities.
I have several mothers who where breast feeding their children till 2, 3 and 4 years of age. Those children would sleep in bed with mom and suckle all night. Cavities on top of cavities on top of more cavities. Sugars, weather natural or processed, bathing teeth over extended periods will always result in cavities.
Hope this is helpful,
michael i. Wollock, dmd, agd fellow
dentistry at suburban square
610-649-0313
www.Dentistryatsuburbansquare.Com.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Neil McLeodanswered
Prosthodontics 50 years experience
Children : Children always fall asleep after nursing from their mother's breast, that's what its all about! I have heard all about bottle feeding syndrome and how the ingredients of the formula or juice (worst) causes decay. But mum's milk na! of course if your nursing long( after 9 months), you do have to be cleaning your babies teeth., that's how you will prevent decay.
Dr neil mcleod dds
dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Howard Schneider commented
Pediatric Dentistry 35 years experience
Sorry Dr. McLeod, but you are mistaken. Mother's milk is loaded with natural sugars and given enough exposure will cause early childhood caries just as easily as formula.
Jan 26, 2014
Dr. Jatin Shahanswered
Dentistry 40 years experience
Decay due to nursing: Once the teeth starts erupting, care should be taken for nursing child with breast or bottle feeding. Especially before sleeping time . You may wipe the teeth gently or a small amount of water may be given depends upon the age of child . Please consult your dentist.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. I. Jay Freedmananswered
Dentistry 44 years experience
Decay happens!: The same rules apply whether you bottle feed or nurse...Teeth that are not cleaned and are covered with breast milk, formula or food will be at higher of decay. The cure is to make sure you use the age appropriate oral hygiene techniques after ever feeding - even bedtime! you're the parent and you create the culture of oral healthcare and oral hygiene in your home.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Arman Roksar commented
Dentistry - Prosthodontics 26 years experience
If no teeth have erupted yet, there is no chance of tooth decay. But once the teeth come in, tooth decay is a probality.
Aug 4, 2013
Dr. Howard Schneideranswered
Pediatric Dentistry 35 years experience
Yes: Bacteria can turn mother's milk into acid byproducts just a easily as anything else. Limit your child's breast feeding to when they are hungry. Clean their teeth and gums with a damp gauze and/or infant tooth brush after each feeding. If they have teeth it is time to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 17, 2017
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