In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that breastfeeding rates continue to rise in America.

1. Prolonged
Breastfeeding May
Lead to Tooth Decay,
Studies Show
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2. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that breastfeeding
rates continue to rise in America.
Its Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity revealed that 81.1% of infants
born in 2013 started to breastfeed, which means higher breastfeeding initiation rates.
Approximately 51% started at six months while 30% started at 12 months.
Prolonged Breastfeeding May Have Negative Effects on Dental Health
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants are to be breastfed for the
first six months and continue for 12 months. Prolonging it would be up to the mother
and the advice of a physician.
Research, however, suggests an indirect impact of breastfeeding on children. Its
evidence indicates the higher risk for developing severe cavities for children breastfed
for longer than two years.

3. The study concluded that children
exposed to breastfeeding for longer
than two years are usually those
who still breastfeed on demand and
make it a habit to do so at night.
During this period, both instances
make teeth cleaning more difficult.
If mothers decide to breastfeed for
more than 24 moths, they should
also use methods that prevent
dental caries in the long run.
The Complexities of Human
Breast Milk
There is a need for further research
when it comes to the advantages
and disadvantages of breast milk.
The American Academy of Pediatric
Dentistry admits that according to
epidemiological research, it does
provide advantages in various
aspects, particularly in decreasing
the child’s risk for many acute and
chronic diseases.

4. Mother's milk provides nutritional, developmental, psycholgical, social, economic, and
environmental advantages. Hence, the reduction of risk for certain health problems.
The debate still rages for breastfeeding. The discussion helps researchers and practitioners
look for others ways to fight early childhood tooth decay. But instead of abandoning
breastfeeding for fear of early childhood dental caries, parents may want to ask their
doctors about the impact of night time bottle feeding, and to see pediatric dentists for
further guidance.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/breastfeeding-report-card-2016.html
http://walkerpediatricdentistry.com/
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/30/health/breastfeeding-cavities-dental-health-
study/index.html
http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2017/05/breast-milk-cariogenic-as-charged.html