I'm no expert in Oral Health, so I reached out to my friend in the
California Department of Public Health - she and I have collaborated in many
ways for the last 10 years or so.

 

She had an additional view that you may want to consider:

 

".So thank you for your breastfeeding/caries question.  It is very
intriguing.  One of the biggest causes of caries is lack of saliva (shown by
people who have had their saliva glands radiated because of oral cancer).
Saliva helps us to moisturize our teeth and gums, and has protective
remineralizing elements to prevent tooth decay.   

 

"Many allergy sufferers are mouth breathers, especially at night.  I suspect
that this little guy might be one, too.  At night our ability to produce
saliva is reduced (thank goodness or we'd all drown!)  However mouth
breathing makes our mouths even dryer, as you can imagine.  

 

"The best solution would be to apply fluoride to the teeth.  At home use
fluoride toothpaste.  The child may be too young to be able to rinse
properly with fluoride rinses without actually swallowing the rinse.  A
dentist or pediatrician can apply fluoride varnishes to the erupted teeth -
every 3 to 6 months.  These treatments should be given, even if the child
lives in an area with fluoridated water.

 

Cheryl Terpak, RDH, MS, Oral Health Consultant"

 

 

I was also wondering about medications given due to allergies that could
also cause more dry mouth.

 

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC

Vacaville, CA

 

 

 


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