BREASTFEEDING AND ORAL HEALTH
- In the past two decades there is an increase of mothers who breastfeed.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that full term infants
be breastfed exclusively.
- Most important period is first four to six months of life.
Positives of Breastfed Infants
- Promotes neuro-development.
- Human milk has many immunoglobulins, enzymes, and leukocytes which
supplement an infant's defense system.
- Children who have been breastfed have fewer episodes of ear infection,
respiratory infection, and meningitis.
- Less chance of juvenile diabetes.
- Breastfed infants have shown better oral development.
- Less chance of nursing bottle caries. (decay)
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