305-443-4713Breastfeeding can be extremely beneficial for your child’s smile. In fact, there are many different facts you may not know about breastfeeding and dental care in Coral Gables, Florida, and those facts are:
Breastfeeding can help build a better bite
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are 72 percent less likely to have crooked teeth when they are older. The babies involved in the study were less likely to develop open bites, crossbites, and overbites compared to the babies who breastfed for less than six months or not at all.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk for baby bottle tooth decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is a major dental issue that generally occurs because the child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids, especially when going to bed. So, if a child is exclusively breastfed, their chances of having baby bottle tooth decay decrease. However, breastmilk does naturally contain sugar, so your child still has a chance of falling victim to tooth decay—you just need to make sure and keep up on oral hygiene.
You don’t have to wean when your baby receives their teeth
Many people think that it’s best to stop breastfeeding once the baby’s teeth grow into place, but that’s not the case. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding for the first and second years of the baby’s life if you want to.
As you can see, breastfeeding can help your child’s oral health in many ways, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of the feeding routine for as long as possible. If you have any questions or if you would like to know more, please feel free to call our dedicated dental team today and schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Raymond del Castillo. All you need to do is call 305-443-4713 and we will be happy to help you!