The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that new mothers breastfeed their babies for the first year of life and through the second year (or beyond) if mutually desired. Some moms stop nursing once their babies get teeth, but many women continue to breastfeed their toddlers. If you are planning to nurse (or if you are already nursing) your toddler or preschooler, here are some considerations you should keep in mind when it comes to his or her dental health.
Baby Bottle Decay
There is a condition of early childhood that is sometimes called “baby bottle decay.” The cause is often being put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. As the baby or toddler falls asleep, the last mouthful of the sugary liquid remains in his or her mouth, allowing bacteria to build up and cause decay. This often occurs on the upper front teeth.
When nursing, breastmilk tends not to accumulate in the baby’s mouth, because milk does not drip out without the baby actively sucking. Still, it’s a good idea to try to encourage to swallow that last sip of breastmilk. One way you can do this is to put the baby back down slightly awake after nighttime feedings. Just the act of moving a sleeping baby to bed is usually enough to get him or her to swallow. As the baby gets older, try to limit nighttime feedings to avoid having milk sit on the teeth for very long.
Your Baby’s Oral Hygiene
Once your little one has his or her first tooth grow in, usually somewhere around 6 months of age (though this varies dramatically), it’s important to keep it clean. Use a baby washcloth at first to gently clean new teeth. Once several teeth are grown in, switch to a baby toothbrush and a toothpaste formulated for children under the age of 2. Brush your baby’s teeth twice per day, preferably in the morning and after the last before-bed feeding.
Flossing will also help keep decay at bay. Use a dental flosser and be gentle and patient. In addition to removing plaque and bacteria, flossing your baby’s teeth will get your child in a good routine that will make an easier transition to flossing his or her teeth later.
Dental Care for Babies
Once your baby has one or two teeth, make an appointment with the dentist. During the earliest appointments, the dentist will simply look at your baby’s teeth. Later, your little one will feel comfortable with having cleanings done. Once your baby is over a year old, let the dentist know at each appointment if you are still breastfeeding, particularly at night, so he or she can keep an eye out for any decay beginning.
You are doing a great thing for your baby’s health by choosing to nurse, but be aware that night-nursing can cause or exacerbate dental decay. By observing good dental hygiene guidelines, however, you should be able to avoid problems with your little one’s oral health.
