Just read the following in Mediconsult:

>Does Breast Milk Cause Cavities Or Not?
>
>According to a recent article in the March/April 1999 issue of Pediatric>Dentistry, "It is concluded that human breast milk is not cariogenic." This>study utilized extracted teeth to obtain most of its results and studied>children only for determining the pH changes in dental plaque. >

>The reality, however, is that breastfeeding children can develop dental
>caries if other factors are present.
>
>1. Parents and clinicians need to be aware that children who are breast fed>during their sleep are at risk for developing nursing caries. This is because>the flow of saliva is greatly diminished when a child sleeps. Salivary flow>during normal waking hours helps to cleanse teeth.
>
>2. Daily consumption of other fluids and solids containing sugar will also>cause caries. One example would be frequent ingestion of fruit juices.
>
>The bottom line in protecting a baby's teeth is: limit the intake of sweets,>cleanse the baby's teeth every day, and give only water at bedtime or nap>time!
>
>Erickson PR, Mazhari E: Investigation of the role of human breast milk in>caries development. Pediatric Dentistry 21:86-90,1999.
>
>Source: Dr. Daniel Ravel, Pediatric Dental Health, 1999

Excuse me, but does this imply that, regardless of what a clinical trial
has proven, that the facts are "really" what the author suggests?

I'm very confused.
--

Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC
Dallas Texas USA

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