Breast-Feeding Not Associated with Cavities: New Study
The risk of tooth decay in toddlers is not compounded by breast-feeding, despite unfounded claims often made by breast-feeding critics, according to new research published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This latest research is based on dental health data, demographic information and infant feeding practices extracted from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The health outcomes of 1,576 toddlers were examined in the study. Among those, 27.5% had at least one tooth pulled due to a cavity. Roughly 40% of Mexican-American children exhibited at least one cavity, and 41.3% of all children living below the poverty line had at least one. Children whose mothers were age 19 or younger also faced an increased risk of cavities.
Though the study was initially concerned with the relationship of cavities to breast-feeding, researchers quickly uncovered more significant risk factors for cavities -- among them, smoking during pregnancy, being poor, or being Mexican-American. Breast-feeding was actually associated with a 40% reduced risk for early childhood cavities until these additional factors were accounted for statistically.
The researchers also note that allowing a baby to sleep with a bottle of anything other than plain water contributes more to the development of cavities than does nighttime breast-feeding. Cavities can form as soon as teeth have formed, however, and authors of the study warn that preventive dental care is essential for the oral health of children of every age.
Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- The dangers of taking codeine while breastfeeding
- Declining rates of oral health among toddlers
- A link between oral health and overall health among women
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