Uncompensated – Extended – Exclusive breastfeeding (minimum till 2 years of age WHO)
is an essential process to ensure an optimal craniofacial maxillomandibular growth. In
simple terms breast is the first functional appliance (appliance used to straighten teeth
and develop proper airways).
So what can you do as young mothers?
Prenatal- ensure your Vitamin D levels are up to standards. There is a strong correlation on
maternal nutrition and children’s teeth quality.
Post natal – Exclusive Extended breastfeed till 2, visit a Preventive Paediatric Dentist for
anticipatory guidance (preventive Counselling) as soon as the first tooth erupts (ensure
they are breastfeeding friendly). Do not wait for symptoms to occur. .
Watch out for white spots on teeth from time to time ( see pic above), this is the earliest
stage of developing cavities and can be reversed with hygiene and preventive practices ,
without need for invasive procedures. .
Prevention is always less invasive and effective than cure . However if you are at a stage
beyond prevention and were told to stop breastfeeding…, PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR A
FUNCTION FOCUSED, BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY PEDIATRIC DENTIST,
PEDIATRIC DENTIST WITH EXPERTISE IN THE ROLE OF MUSCLE FUNCTION ON
CRANIOFACIAL DISEASES (including cavities). Or in simple terms a professional who not
just treats symptoms of disease but also corrects and optimizes the real causes.
