Another study that should make breastfeeding advocates cringe. Benjamin Chaffee, researcher at the University of California at Berkeley, states his thesis: the more a baby is breastfed after the age of two, the more likely it is to suffer from cavities.
The bone of contention is not new: for years, studies have succeeded and opposed on breastfeeding. Scientists are divided on its impact on babies’ oral health.
Dr Chaffee investigated the link between breastfeeding and cavities in 458 babies from underprivileged areas of the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre. The infants were observed at 6, 12 and 38 months. At 12 months, solid food in addition to breast milk was noted: fruits, vegetables, meat, chocolate, cakes, fruit juice, etc.
As a result, 40% of the children who were breastfed between six months and two years suffered from cavities before the end of the study. A higher rate in breastfed children after the age of 2 years (48%).
No certainty
The researcher puts his observations into perspective: “Our study does not suggest that breastfeeding causes cavities, says Dr. Chaffee to the Daily Mail. But it is possible that breast milk, combined with an excess of refined sugars found in some food, more easily causes dental problems “.
In the absence of scientific certainties, the researcher recalls a good reflex to prevent cavities: clean baby’s first teeth with a damp cloth to remove food remains.
