Breastfeeding and Dentistry
Breastfeeding rates have increased slightly since 1990 with at least
50% of women who continue to breastfeed their babies until 5 to 6 months
old. Estimates are that as of 1995, 59.4% of women in the U.S. were breastfeeding
either exclusively or in combination with formula feeding.
The importance of breastfeeding is that women understand that almost
any drugs one takes will reach breast milk in some quantity. The amount
of the drug is usually not great enough to cause any danger to the nursing
baby, however, care at all times must be taken to protect any unnecessary
problems for the infant.
The route of administration of the drug usually determines how much will
be passed into the bloodstream and into the baby's milk. For example,
if the mother is given an injection, this will go directly to the bloodstream
and reach the breast milk faster.
In dentistry, there are several concerns that breastfeeding mothers should
understand. Common drugs are grouped into categories and subcategories
according to their uses. Noted also are the potential effects these drugs
have on breast milk and the infant.
Below are some medications that a dentist may administer for a dental
procedure, dental discomfort or dental infection that may affect a mother's
breast milk and therefore the baby.
Antibacterials
Antibiotics for dental infection or for pre-medication prior to a dental
procedure. Examples include, erythromycin, peniciliins(amoxicillin), clindamycin,
etc. These drugs can affect the baby's normal balance of microorganisms. If an imbalance occurs to the child due to passage of the drug into the
breast milk, the child may get diarrhea or diaper rash.
Local Anesthetics
The two most common dental anesthetics used are:
Both have been found to be quite safe. Breastfeeding should be withheld
as a precaution for at least 4 hours after the use of these drugs.
Aspirin Products
Non-steroidal, Anti-Inflammatory Agents - examples are ibuprofen products
for dental discomfort. Medicated Mouthwashes - certain mouthwashes contain
antibacterial agents that may pass through the breast milk to the baby. Examples include those that contain chlorhexidine gluconate.
There are certainly many other medications and drugs, and as always,
one should consult with their physician and pediatrician whenever a drug
is to be taken, especially for the safety of the child.
Source: The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding, 1987 , La Leche League International
American Academy of Pediatrics. Vol 100 No.6 Dec 1997 p. 1035-39
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