As a parent, you’re likely aware that nursing provides essential nutrients and comfort for your baby, especially in the first months of life. But did you know that nursing can also impact your baby’s teeth as they begin to emerge? Understanding the connection between nursing and oral health is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile from the very start.
In this post, we’ll explore how nursing affects your baby’s teeth, why it’s best to wean from night nursing once baby teeth start to come in, and simple tips for keeping those tiny teeth clean and healthy.
Nursing and Baby Teeth: What You Need to Know
Breast milk is a wonderful source of nourishment for your baby, but when it comes to dental health, it’s important to be mindful of how frequent nursing (especially at night) can impact the developing teeth. While breastfeeding is not inherently harmful, nursing during the night or nursing to sleep after your baby’s teeth begin to emerge can increase the risk of tooth decay, especially if your baby falls asleep with milk in their mouth.
Here’s why:
- Milk and bacteria: Just like any other sugary liquid, breast milk can leave sugars on your baby’s teeth. While these sugars are natural, they still provide food for bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to early childhood cavities, especially when the baby’s teeth are still developing.
- Night nursing: When your baby nurses at night and then falls asleep, the milk pools in their mouth. This prolonged exposure can increase the risk of tooth decay, as the milk can stay on the teeth for hours.
When to Wean from Night Nursing
Once your baby’s first tooth emerges (usually around 6 months of age), it’s a good idea to start considering weaning from night nursing or gradually reducing nighttime feedings. This is especially important because your baby’s teeth are now more vulnerable to the effects of milk left on them overnight.
If possible, try to offer a bedtime feed that’s followed by a gentle brushing routine before your baby goes to sleep. This helps remove any milk or food particles left on the teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.
