Dental health benefits linked to breastfeeding

A recent study published by The American Dental Association reports a direct link to breastfeeding infants and increased oral health. The journal report is an effort to keep dental professionals updated on health-related benefits of breastfeeding.

In the Journal of the American Dental Association February 1, 2013 vol. 144 no. 2 edition, studies conducted by Lindsey Rennick Salone, DDS, William F. Vann Jr., DMD, Ph.D., and Deborah L. Dee, Ph.D., MPH, reaffirm the link.

[Click here to read the full study]

The authors examined literature regarding general health protections that breastfeeding offers infants and also explored associations between breastfeeding, occlusion in the primary dentition and early childhood caries.  They reviewed systematic studies when available and supplemented them with comparative studies.

Compared to formula-fed children, breastfed children have a lower risk of acute otitis media, gastroenteritis and diarrhea, severe lower respiratory infections, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, obesity and other childhood diseases and conditions. Evidence also suggests breastfed children may develop a more favorable occlusion in the primary dentition.