A brand new baby brings so much joy to a family! Congratulations on deciding to breastfeed your child. You’re giving them the gift of an excellent start. Breastfeeding can be a challenge and it’s important for mom to take good care of herself during this process. Your Glastonbury dentist explains why good oral health is also important for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding and Oral Health 101
When you are breastfeeding, many things transfer to your baby including antibodies to help them fight conditions like asthma or ear infections. Even the foods you eat can come through in your breast milk, so be careful to avoid spicy foods during this time.
You can also transfer things that are not so good, such as bacteria from your mouth just by sharing a spoon or cup with your child when they’re older, so taking care to brush and floss daily is important.
If you have outstanding dental work to be done after your child is born, be sure to tell your dentist in Glastonbury that you are breastfeeding so you can determine the types of anesthetics that will be safe for your child.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Your Child’s Oral Health
Breastfeeding benefits your child in so many ways; you probably didn’t consider it for their oral health. However, emerging studies are telling us that it may lead to fewer problems with their bite in the future.
It also helps reduce the risk of your child developing bottle tooth decay. This typically occurs when children go to bed with a bottle and sugar is allowed to sit on their teeth throughout the night.
It is important to note that breastfed babies can still develop cavities from the natural sugar found in breast milk. You should begin to brush your child’s teeth as soon as they arrive in order to combat tooth decay and cavities.
The important thing for moms to remember during the first few months of their child’s life is to take good care of their own health and well-being. You can’t be of service to your child if you’re not healthy yourself.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Heim and Dr. John Carroll having been high-quality dental care to patients in Glastonbury, CT for decades. Our practice offers comprehensive care tailored to each individual patient’s needs. We know you’ll appreciate the differences you experience when you choose our practice for your dental care.
Would you like to contact us? You can reach us through our website, or call us at 860-968-0176.
