Sorry to hear that dentists are still recommending that infants be weaned at
one year because of the risk of infant caries. The following recent articles
should help change those recommendations - you should be able to get copies
of the articles from any dental school library:
1 - Pamela R. Erickson, Elham Mazhari, “Investigation of the role of human
breast milk in caries development”. Pediatric Dentistry (J. or the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), 1999: 21:2 (Mar/Apr);p86-90.
- Conclusion: Human breast milk is not cariogenic.
For this research, Dr. Erickson was the runner-up for the 1998 American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Educational Foundation Research Award.
2 - Pamela R. Erickson et al. “Estimation of the caries-related risk
associated with infant formulas”. Pediatric Dentistry, 1998, 20:7, Nov-Dec.
p395-403.
- Conclusion: Infant formula (IF) can lower pH significantly, some IF
supported significant bacterial growth, enamel was dissolved in some IF even
in the absence of bacterial fermentation, buffer capacity varied, most infant
formulas were cariogenic in an in-vitro model.
Dr. Erickson was the first place recipient of 1997 American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry Educational Foundation Research Award for this research
3 - Joyce Sinton et al. “A Systematic Overview of the relationship between
infant caries and breast-feeding”. Ontario Dentist (Ont Dent), Nov. 1998,
75(9):23-27.
Conclusion: Literature review shows contradictory results of various research
projects. Recommend there is no “right time” to wean a breast-fed infant.
4- Slavkin, Harold C. “Streptococcus Mutans, Early Childhood Caries and New
Opportunities”. JADA, (J of Amer Dental Assoc) Vol 130, Dec 1999, 1787-92.
Dr. Slavkin explores early childhood caries, one of the most prevalent health
problems of infants and toddlers. Outlined statement - “Population-based
studies do not support a definitive link between prolonged breastfeeding and
caries.” Dr. Slavkin is director of the National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, Md.
A video of a presentation I gave entitled “Dental Caries and Tight Frenulums”
was reviewed in the Sept,1999, 15(3) issue of JHL, p267. It covers my
research and position that breastmilk does not cause decay. The above
articles, not available when my video was made, will help to support the
points discussed in the video. An added benefit of the video is that it also
covers why tight frenulums need to be addressed and clipped at birth.
Several LCs have told me the video has helped convince some MDs to recommend
frenotomies. The video is available in both VHS and PAL format so it can be
played in most countries. I feel comfortable discussing the video as I do
NOT receive any royalty or compensation in any way from the sale of the
video.
Good news! Physicians and sleep apnea patients are slowing accepting my
research that breastfeeding reduces the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. If
not aware of this benefit, see my article in Breastfeeding Abstracts, “
Breastfeeding: Reducing the Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea”, Feb 99, 18(3),
p19.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season.
Brian Palmer, D.D.S.
Kansas City, Missouri
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