Whether you’ve chosen to breastfeed your baby, bottle-feed or do a combination of the two, you should be aware of the impact all feeding methods can have on your baby’s dental health, now and into the future. Happily, by following just a few simple tips, it’s easy to protect your baby’s smile.  

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), yes, breastfed babies can develop cavities from the natural sugar present in breast milk. That said, if you keep your baby’s mouth clean (read below) you can greatly reduce the risk of dental issues.  

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of baby bottle tooth decay, also known as “early childhood cavities” or “bottle mouth.” That’s because bottle-feeding floods the front of a baby’s mouth and teeth with liquid, while breastfeeding releases liquid to the back of the mouth – and teeth aren’t as exposed to sugars for extended periods of time. 

Baby bottle tooth decay can cause lifelong dental and health complications, including chronic pain, misaligned adult teeth, difficulty chewing, problems with speech and serious infections. Limit the risk by reducing sugar intake in the liquids you put into your baby’s bottle, keeping baby’s mouth clean, and limiting the amount of time your baby nurses. 

Reducing your breastfed baby’s risk for tooth decay 

Breastmilk provides amazing benefits, including antibodies to pathogens in the specific environment, the establishment of  “good bacteria” in a baby’s tummy, a strong immune system and antibodies that may hinder or stop bacterial growth (including Streptococcus mutans, which is the bacteria that causes tooth decay).  

That said, breastmilk does contain sugar, which is essential to baby’s growth and development. While this is naturally occurring “healthy” sugar (unlike processed sugar that’s added to food), it still feeds the bacteria in our mouths that can cause tooth decay. Regularly removing sugar and bacterial buildup from baby’s mouth is essential. 

Check with your own doctor regarding the best way to clean your baby’s teeth. Typically pediatric dentists recommend cleaning baby’s gums starting a few days after birth. You can do this by gently cleaning your little one’s gums and mouth with a clean, soft gauze pad or washcloth once or twice a day to help fight bacterial growth and maintain good oral health. If you are supplementing with formula or other foods that contain sugar while nursing, or your baby is taking medication, it’s especially important to clean the baby’s mouth twice daily or more frequently.  

And don’t forget to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. 

Breastfeeding helps mom stay healthy too 

Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin which helps your body recover from pregnancy. Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and may lower your risk of osteoporosis, too. It can help you regulate your fertility, as ovulation is often suppressed while a mother is breastfeeding. And it may also help you lose pregnancy weight faster.  

It’s hard to keep up with self-care after giving birth, but staying healthy benefits both you and your baby. Being pregnant can increase the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease. This is typically due to an increase in hormone levels, and the effects can linger on after you give birth. So, how can you ensure your oral health is in-check as a new mom? 

The ADA notes that a new mom may be so focused on the baby that they may skip toothbrushing or flossing. This can result in dental problems for mom, and for the baby too. The bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease is contagious and can be spread by sharing a spoon or cup, kissing and other contact with saliva. So, be sure to care for your smile daily. 

Affordable dental care for the entire family 

The key to keeping your entire family’s smiles healthy and strong is good at-home oral hygiene and regular dental care. If the cost of dental care is keeping you from seeing the dentist, you might want to look into budget-friendly options like a dental savings plan. They are an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance and plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. 

Need help figuring out which plan meets your needs best? DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, can help. With more than 25 plans from trusted brands in healthcare, and the best customer service team in the business, we make it easy to find a plan that fits your specific needs. 

Ready to see how much you can save? Use our calculator below to see how much you and your family can save with a dental savings plan. 

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.