Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if increases in childhood caries result from breast-feeding, breast milk, and bacteria that resides on the mothers’ nipple surface. This question was examined in light of the increase in caries observed by pediatric dentists worldwide. Methods: A literature review was conducted to examine the possible evidence for this phenomenon issue prior to conducting more extensive clinical research. Results: Overall, no evidence was formed to conclude that breast milk breast-feeding, and carious bacteria cause dental decay. Instead the lack of preventative care was established as the culprit in creating a hostile environment favoring bacterial colonization in excess of normal levels, causing a predisposition to caries development. Conclusion: Breast milk, saliva obstruction from breast feeding, and surface bacteria on the nipple does not cause caries in breast-feeding infants. Proper oral hygiene and other types of preventative care are necessary to reduce bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus mutans, which are responsible for most carious lesions.
Description:
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