Dental care begins as soon as your baby is born, well before their first tooth grows in. Breastfeeding has been shown to benefit children’s oral health, but every mother should still take steps to protect their child. In honor of National Breastfeeding Month this August, the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates in Honolulu, HI, have shared some information that all mothers should know about breastfeeding.

A Guide to Breastfeeding & Dental Care

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

While many factors can impact a child’s development, like genetics, breastfeeding has been found to help children build a better bite. A study released in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that breastfeeding can decrease the risk of malocclusions, or improper positioning of the teeth. Breastfeeding for at least the first six months can also reduce the risk of crossbites or overbites.

Being breastfed can eliminate a child’s risk for baby bottle tooth decay, which occurs because parents put their children to bed with a bottle. The long exposure of the sugars in formula or juice encourages the growth of bacteria on the teeth, which lead to early tooth decay and gum loss.

How to Protect Your Child

No matter how babies are fed, all mothers should pay attention to their dental care. After the last feeding before bed, wipe down your child’s gums with a soft washcloth or a piece of gauze. Once teeth start to erupt, take special care to wipe around the tooth, especially at the gum line. Bring your baby in for their first appointment with a pediatric dentist before their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth, whichever comes first.

When it’s time to take your child in for a dental care appointment, trust the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates. For over 25 years, they have provided children of all ages on Oahu and Maui with top-notch general and preventative dentistry. The Better Business Bureau^® accredited office also offers emergency services, so you never have to scramble to find a dentist to look after your child. To schedule an appointment, contact their Honolulu office at (808) 735-1733, Aiea at (808) 487-7933, and Kahului at (808) 877-0066. You can also visit them online to get the forms for your first visit.