Breast Feeding and Oral Health: What Moms Should Know

Breastfeeding, also called nursing, helps mothers and babies stay healthy. It reduces nursing moms’ risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It can also help reduce the chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and arthritis. Nursing also helps babies to fight infection and protects them from many other health risks such as ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. 

It is good for babies’ oral health, too! The American Dental Association notes these benefits for breastfed babies:

• Their teeth grow straighter.
• They have a lower risk of tooth decay than bottle-fed babies.

But even with breastfeeding, babies can get cavities. So gently clean your baby’s teeth and gums every day with clean, moist gauze or a clean, moist washcloth. When they are big enough for a toothbrush, use fluoridated toothpaste no bigger than a grain of rice. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children get nutrition only from breastfeeding until they are six months old. Continued breastfeeding for the first year can help protect your child from tooth decay, according to the Oral Health Foundation. The AAP supports ongoing nursing after infants start eating solid foods until the child is two years and beyond. 

A Health Note for Mothers

Pregnant and Nursing moms should tell their healthcare providers, including their OB/GYN, Primary Care Provider and dentist the date of their last pregnancy and delivery and discuss all medications that they are taking to confirm their safety. This will help your providers to best care for the health of you and your child.

Learn more about breastfeeding your baby anytime at:

• La Leche League International — Breastfeeding A to Z
• USDA WIC — Breastfeeding Support
• U.S. Office of Women’s Health — Breastfeeding Resources 

For information about caring for baby teeth, click here. To learn more about nursing and parenting, call your local hospital to ask about classes and groups

Part of Sun Life U.S., DentaQuest is dedicated to creating better, more equitable health care that improves oral health — and overall health — for all.