Current study Breastfeeding too long harms the teeth of children

Physicians are studying the negative effects of breastfeeding on children's teeth
Researchers now found out in their research that prolonged breastfeeding in children increases the likelihood of tooth cavities. If small children are breastfed for a period of two years or more, the rate of dental cavities will increase significantly.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found in their study that prolonged breastfeeding in children causes them to develop more frequent dental cavities. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Pediatrics".

Dental care is very important, even for infants and young children. Physicians found that breastfeeding over a long period of time can cause children to develop caries and tooth cavities more frequently. (Image: Jürgen Fälchle / fotolia.com)

Experts are investigating more than 1,100 children for their study
For their study, the researchers analyzed the breastfeeding and sugar consumption of 1,129 children in Brazil. At the age of five, the children visited a dentist and were examined for decaying, missing and filled primary tooth surfaces as well as severe caries or cavities (holes in the teeth), the experts explain. So-called severe infantile tooth decay was diagnosed when there were six or more rotten, missing and already filled teeth.

How long breastfeeding worked exactly on the teeth?
Of all participants in the study, 23.9 percent had severe cavities and 48 percent had at least one tooth surface that was already affected by a cavity, the researchers say. If children were breastfed for more than two years, they had a 2.4x increased risk of having severe holes in their teeth.

Affected children usually consume too much sugar
There are, of course, some reasons for these negative effects. A longer lactation and nocturnal breastfeeding make it very difficult to properly clean the teeth at certain times. Long breastfeeding often leads to a high frequency of breastfeeding, as well as excessive amounts of (milk) sugar, explain the scientists.

Children of low-income families are more likely to have dental problems
The study also found socioeconomic features that may contribute to a higher risk of tooth decay. If a family had a lower income or the mother had a lower education, the risk of tooth cavities in their children was also increased, say the authors.

Results could be different in other parts of the world
The current study was conducted in Brazil. The findings may be different in other parts of the world, researchers say. The results are likely to apply only to populations with similar patterns of breastfeeding and exposure to fluoride. Brazil has had a water supply containing fluoride since 1962. Fluoride in water can prevent tooth decay and protect against the formation of cavities, the scientists explain.

Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child
Breastfeeding provides babies the essential nutrients for growth and development. In addition, the risk of infectious diseases, ear infections, diarrhea and even premature death is reduced, say the experts. Breastfeeding also helps mothers to lose weight more quickly during pregnancy. In addition, breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. (As)