It is perfectly normal to want the best for your child. While having a baby can be a joyous time, it can also leave new parents questioning many practices in an attempt to provide their child with the best possible early start to life. A frequent question for new mothers concerns nursing and the dental health of babies. With so many rumors and differing parenting techniques being used, it can be hard to figure out exactly what your child needs. Let’s take a look at nursing, the formation of teeth during nursing, if teeth mean that the baby should wean, and the risk of cavities.
Does Nursing Affect The Formation Of Teeth On Newborn Babies?
A recent study by the Journal of Pediatrics found that children who nursed were 72% less likely to have crooked teeth a result. In addition, there was less of a chance of bites, crossbites, overbites. With a body of medical research contradicting previously held belief that nursing would affect tooth growth, it has been proven again and again that nursing your child does not pose an inherent risk to their tooth formation.
Does Teeth Mean I Have To Wean My Baby?
More often than not, mothers believe that tooth formation means that they should wean their baby. However, according to the World Health Organization, it is suggested for mothers to breastfeed their babies between one and two years. The longer you have your child breastfed, the longer your baby goes without risking bottle tooth decay. Ultimately, the length of time will depend on what the parent finds comfortable in their situation as they raise their child.
The Cavity Risk
Regardless of how you feed your baby, there is always a risk of cavities. This is why proper dental health from the beginning will help keep your baby as happy and healthy as possible. Your dentist in Ottawa will be able to direct you in how to properly take care of your baby’s teeth, reducing the chance of cavities. In addition, they will be able to set you up on a schedule during the early years of your child to ensure that they continue to have healthy teeth as they grow.
A Final Consideration
We all want what’s best for our baby. By meeting with a dentist and reviewing your options, you can select the best care for your baby, ensuring that their health continues to be good well into the future. Remember, care that you provide now can help save on future dental bills, saving you big in the long run.
