Naturally the best: Breast beats Bottle
MYTH
Breastfeeding to get your baby to sleep causes tooth decay
FACT
Breastfeeding protects against tooth decay;
bottle-feeding and formula cause tooth decay
Dr. Na'ama Attar gives you four reasons why breastfeeding is better for your baby's dental health:
1. Breast milk contains antibodies that make it difficult for
cavity causing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) to grow. Lactoferrin, a protein
in breast milk can even kill these bacteria. Artificial milk products have been
found to be cariogenic ie they can cause tooth decay.
2. Bacteria break down sugar to cause cavities. Bacteria are
unable to breakdown lactose, the sugar in breast milk, as easily as they breakdown
sucrose, the sugar in formula.
3. In breastfeeding, a nipple is drawn far back into the mouth
and releases milk into the throat. The suckling process includes swallowing and
the nursing child has to swallow before being able to suck again. This can happen
only when the baby is awake.
In bottle-feeding, milk is squirted into the front of the
mouth and pools around the teeth as artificial nipples need less effort to allow rapid flow of milk. When the
baby falls asleep, a bottle can continue to leak milk into a baby’s mouth. Active
suckling is not needed. This can contribute to baby bottle tooth decay.
4. Breast milk deposits calcium and strengthens enamel but artificial
baby milk can actually dissolve tooth enamel.
"Exclusive breastfeeding can reduce the risk of your child developing baby bottle tooth decay." reminds Dr. Na'ama Attar
World Breastfeeding Week 2020
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