Oral and health benefits of breastfeeding

1. Oral and health benefits of breastfeeding Nebal Al-Taweel, Jen LaBrache Beatriz Diaz, IvandraNeves Amanda Mirabello

2. Early childhood caries • Breast feeding is linked to a reduced risk of early childhood carries overall. • This has been linked to bottle-propping and giving the baby a bottle of formula, milk or juice to sleep with at night. • “In studies comparing bottle-fed to breast-fed babies, bottle-fed babies have been found to have a higher incidence of dental caries overall.” • During breastfeeding, breast milk is directed into the soft palate and swallowed, avoiding contact with teeth for protracted periods, leading to less carries.

3. When discussing dental caries in young children, there is a clear association between increased carries, especially on the upper front teeth, and inappropriate bottle feeding, such as prolonged use of the bottle, carrying it in the mouth all day, and being put to bed with it at night. • This incidence of decay has been termed nursing caries, baby bottle tooth decay and Early Childhood Caries.  • However, nursing caries has been also identified in babies that have been exclusively breastfed without receiving any bottles.

4. Although breastfeeding has been known to decrease the amount of cavities in babies, it does not completely stop the cavities from occurring. • There is currently question on whether breastfeeding all through the night, or prolonged breastfeeding beyond 12 months of age, are causes of nursing caries in a similar fashion as "baby-bottle tooth decay.”

5. Benefits of breast feeding • Colostrum • “The first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth, which rich in antibodies” • Decreased childhood obesity • Decreased asthma risk in baby • Decreased type 1 and type 2 diabetes in baby • Increased resistance to infection • Decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome • Free and readily available • Promotes weight loss for mothers • Easier to digest over formula • Creates bond between mother and baby • Good Jaw development in baby

6. Breastfeeding also has long-term effects on craniofacial development. The jaw movement associated with feeding from the breast stimulates growth of the temporomandibular joint, as well as the maxilla and mandible. Open bite due to prolonged use of a bottle.

7. Exclusive breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding in the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding throughout the first year and into the second year carries with it a multitude of advantages for both the mother and the infant

8. If breastfeeding isn’t an option • Why choose iron fortified formula? • Because anemia is likely to develop in the baby within in the first year, which can effect brain development. • While many side effects from iron are discussed such as gas, constipation and discomfort, these rarely occur.

9. Tips for mom • If breastfeeding isn’t an option: • Don’t put baby to bed with a bottle • Wipe baby’s mouth and gums with a warm cloth after feeding • Schedule first dental visit after the eruption of first tooth, no later than one year of age

10. Breastfeeding organizations • Lowell General Hospital • “Learn the Art of Breastfeeding” class • January 27, 2014 • February 24, 2014 • March 24, 2014 • April 7, 2014 • WIC (Women Infants and Children) • “Nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who qualify.” • WIC encourages mothers to breastfeed their infants and are provided with breastfeeding materials and supplements

11. Contact information • Lowell General Hospital Phone: 978-937-6000 Address: 295 Varnum Ave Lowell, MA 01852 • WIC Phone: 978-459-0551 Address: 17 Kirk Street Lowell, MA 01852