If you’re a new or expectant mother, then it’s a critical time to help your infant’s oral health. Although your infant may not have any chompers of their own just yet, studies have shown that breastfeeding may be an important step in building the framework for their smile!
A study done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that children who breastfeed are more likely to have properly aligned teeth. This finding aligns with similar research that concludes that breastfed children are less likelier to develop teeth misalignment later on in life.
These results were increased when children were breastfed for a longer period. Children who were breastfed for six months or longer reduced the risk of teeth misalignment by 72 percent.
Outside of proper teeth alignment, breastfeeding offers many other benefits to your baby such as nutritional support, resistance to infectious diseases, and an enhanced immune system. To learn more about the oral and overall health benefits of breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider.