Breastfeeding Issues That Every Orthodontic Practitioner Should Know

There are so many benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk, both from a medical and dental view. As dental professionals, we can educate and support mothers who desire to breastfeed, thus helping the development of their child’s oral cavity and dentition.

As a recent graduate dental hygienist in the early 1970s, I heard Daniel Garliner speak about tongue placement and mouth development. This lecture launched my interest in breastfeeding and oral development. The expectant parents who I saw as patients received more information than they ever expected since I spoke with them about breastfeeding as well as oral care. When I became a mother in 1980, I was able to put all of this information to practical use. After my daughter was born, I became a member of Nursing Mothers, Inc. and eventually became a counselor. I am proud to say that “I practiced what I preached” and my daughter is caries-free and has not needed orthodontic treatment.

This article explains the importance of breastfeeding so that dentists and orthodontists can recommend and support its implementation. Here are answers to some questions that many of you may ask: