Association Between Infant Breastfeeding and Early Childhood Caries

Brian Schmid DMD

Journal: Pediatrics
Authors: Hiroko Iida, Peggy Auingerm, Ronald J Billings and Michael Weitzman
Date: 2007
Summary:
Data from the NHANES health survey was collected and analyzed pertaining to children 2-5 years old. Criteria included: whether the child was ever breastfed, age upon stoppage of breastfeeding, the age of first being fed something other than breastmilk or water and when the child began regular daily feedings of something besides breastmilk or water. Results: There was no statistical difference in rates of ECC between those exclusively breastfed more or less than 9 months. ECC rates increased with age while severe ECC rates did not. Family income below the poverty line and being Mexican American were associated with higher rates of ECC and severe ECC. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was related to higher ECC. 36.3% of children who had a dental visit within the last year had ECC while 18.5% who had ECC had not been to the dentist in the last year. Having been breastfed had no independent correlation with ECC while the following did: increased child age, Mexican heritage, living below the poverty line, maternal smoking during pregnancy and have had a dental visit within the last year.
Smoking may be developmentally related to weaker enamel or environmentally due to a higher risk of poor dietary and health decision on the part of the mother. Low SES has long been known to be a risk factor for ECC due mainly to education, diet and access to dental care. In children 2-5 years old, parents are more likely to bring their child to the dentist with overt concerns, while those without visible decay will often delay the initial dental visit.
Breastfeeding does not cause dental caries. Going to the dentist causes dental caries. It's science.