Breastfeeding An overview of oral and general health benefits

1. Lindsey Rennick Salone, DDS, 
2. William F. Vann Jr., DMD, PhD⇓ and
3. Deborah L. Dee, PhD, MPH

1. At the time this study was conducted, Dr. Salone was a dental student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a general practice resident at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill. She now is in private practice in Charlotte, N.C
2. Dr. Vann is a research professor of pediatric dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 7450, 228 Brauer Hall, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-7450, e-mail bill_vann@dentistry.unc.edu
3. At the time this study was conducted, Dr. Dee was affiliated with the Nutrition Branch, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. She now is the senior scientist, Applied Sciences Branch, Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Preventio

Abstract

Background Breastfeeding is the reference against which alternative infant feeding models must be measured with regard to growth, development and other health outcomes. Although not a systematic review, this report provides an update for dental professionals, including an overview of general and oral health–related benefits associated with breastfeeding.

Types of Studies Reviewed The authors examined the literature regarding general health protections that breastfeeding confers to infants and mothers and explored associations between breastfeeding, occlusion in the primary dentition and early childhood caries. To accomplish these goals, they reviewed systematic reviews when available and supplemented them with comparative studies and with statements and reports from major nongovernmental and governmental organizations.

Results When compared with health outcomes among formula-fed children, the health advantages associated with breastfeeding include 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 that breastfed children may develop a more favorable occlusion in the primary dentition. The results of a systematic review in which researchers examined the relationship between breastfeeding and early childhood caries were inconclusive.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Chicago, suggests that parents gently clean infants' gums and teeth after breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, Ill., recommends that breastfeeding should be exclusive for about the first six months of life and should continue, with the introduction of appropriate complementary foods, to at least age 12 months or beyond, as desired by mother and child. Dentists and staff members can take steps to ensure they are familiar with the evidence and guidelines pertaining to breastfeeding and to oral health. They are encouraged to follow the surgeon general's recommendations to promote and support optimal breastfeeding and oral health practices among their patients.

1. The Journal of the American Dental Association February 1, 2013 vol. 144 no. 2 143-151

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