Babies Teeth

Here are some tips for caring for your breastfed baby's teeth and an explanation about why some babies are more susceptible to tooth decay than others.

The life-saving and life-enhancing health and emotional advantages of human milk and breastfeeding are well documented world-wide (La Leche League New Zealand).

How to care for your baby's teeth

Breastfeeding is good for your baby. From the time your baby's first teeth erupt, start cleaning them using a soft cloth and a minute amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Later progress to a soft child's toothbrush. This should ideally be done two or three times a day.

Dental decay is an infectious disease. Bacteria is passed from one mouth to another. Babies are born without this decay-causing bacteria, so if parents/caregivers have sound dental health, then the baby is much less at risk.

Dental decay is an extremely complex disease and arises from acid production in the presence of carbohydrate/sugars and from bacteria in the plaque on the tooth surface.

The risk for babies of dental decay may be increased if:

There is a family history of decay or poor enamel formation. It is estimated that many babies will have defects in their enamel which puts their teeth at risk of dental decay.

The mother is ill with a high fever and/or required antibiotics during pregnancy.

The mother/caregiver has untreated dental disease.
Your baby is premature.

Babies who are frequently demand fed at night.

Children who are still breastfed at 18 months of age are considered at risk of dental decay if their diets are high in decay forming foods (Hallonsten 1995).

Your baby eats sugary food regularly or snacks on highly refined food often.

Your baby has frequently received sweetened medicines, including vitamins, antibiotics and cough syrup.

If your baby/child is at risk of dental decay enrol them early in the School Dental Service.

Last updated: Monday, July 26, 2010