The Truth About Breastfeeding & Toddler Dental Health: What My Dentist Got Right (And Wrong!)
When I took my 15-month-old to the dentist, I was so happy to hear them talk about the importance of keeping our toddlers' teeth healthy from an early age (I have to admit our pediatrician didn’t mention too much about diet). They emphasized that cavities in young children are on the rise and that they often have to remove teeth and put children under anesthesia—which can lead to jaw development issues later in life (never mind the trauma for a little one).
They pointed out that sugary foods, fruit juices, and even processed foods like crackers are some of the biggest culprits of early childhood cavities. And I completely agreed with that! As someone who teaches about gut health, nutrient-dense eating, and ancestral diets, I know how damaging processed sugars and constant snacking can be—not just for the gut but for oral health as well.
But then, they told me something I couldn’t agree with: They recommended considering weaning my child from breastfeeding—or at the very least wiping their teeth with gauze after nursing. They were especially concerned about overnight breastfeeding, believing it could contribute to early childhood caries (ECC).
And here’s where we need to dig into the science—because breast milk is not the same as sugary drinks or processed carbs. Let’s break this down so you can make informed decisions about your child’s dental health without unnecessary weaning!
Key Factors for Toddler Dental Health
Your toddler’s oral microbiome plays a huge role in whether they develop cavities. It’s not just about sugar—it’s about diet, hygiene, and bacterial balance. Here’s what truly impacts toddler dental health:
Dietary Nutrient Density – Teeth need minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2) to remain strong and resistant to decay.
Oral Microbiome Balance – Just like the gut microbiome, the mouth has beneficial bacteria that protect against harmful microbes.
Fermentable Carbohydrates & Snacking – Frequent exposure to processed sugars, starches, and acidic foods can fuel cavity-causing bacteria.
Oral Hygiene – Brushing, flossing (if necessary), and drinking water to rinse the mouth all contribute to a healthy oral environment. They really emphasized how important JUST WATER is for drinking for children and I couldn’t agree more as long as it’s filtered of course!
Does Breastfeeding Cause Cavities? Here’s What the Research Says
Many pediatric dentists (my daughters pediatrician also warned me about breastfeeding at night) group breastfeeding with bottle-feeding when it comes to cavities, but they are not the same.
1. Breast Milk Components
Breast milk contains lactose, which is a naturally occurring sugar. However, it also contains protective components that fight bacteria and prevent cavities:
Lactoferrin & Immunoglobulins – These have antimicrobial properties that help prevent harmful bacteria from thriving.
Enzymes & Probiotics – Breast milk actively supports a balanced oral microbiome, unlike formula or fruit juices.
Bioavailable Minerals – Calcium and phosphorus in breast milk help remineralize teeth naturally.
There Are No Conclusive Studies Proving Breastfeeding Causes Tooth Decay
There is no strong evidence that breast milk, on its own, causes cavities. In fact, some research suggests that it may actually protect against them due to its antimicrobial properties.
📖 Studies on Breast Milk & Tooth Decay:
Breastfeeding is NOT a direct cause of cavities.
A review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (PubMed ID: 17632980) found that breastfeeding alone is not a significant risk factor for early childhood caries (ECC).
Instead, dietary sugars and poor oral hygiene play a much bigger role in cavity formation.
Breastfeeding has protective benefits for oral health.
Breast milk contains lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and antibacterial enzymes that may help prevent harmful bacteria from thriving in the mouth.
According to a systematic review of multiple studies (PubMed ID: 26579710), breastfed infants had a lower risk of cavities compared to formula-fed infants.
Nighttime breastfeeding is only a concern when paired with other risk factors.
Unlike bottle-feeding, which allows milk to pool in the mouth, breastfeeding requires active sucking and swallowing, reducing the risk of milk sitting on teeth overnight.
The Journal of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that the real risk comes from frequent exposure to fermentable carbohydrates (crackers, dried fruit, pouches) combined with poor oral hygiene—not breastfeeding itself.
📌 Key Takeaway: Breastfeeding alone does NOT cause cavities—but diet, oral hygiene, and the presence of other fermentable carbohydrates play a role.
2. The Role of a Mother’s Diet in Breastfeeding & Toddler Dental Health
A mother’s diet impacts the quality of her breast milk, but there’s no evidence that it makes breast milk itself cavity-causing.
However, nutrient-dense foods high in fat-soluble vitamins and minerals can support strong teeth and proper jaw development in babies and toddlers.
However, certain nutrients support stronger, more cavity-resistant teeth in children:
Vitamin A, D, & K2 – Found in pastured eggs, organ meats, grass-fed butter, and cod liver oil, these vitamins support remineralization and enamel strength.
Calcium & Phosphorus – Abundant in raw dairy, leafy greens, and homemade meat stock, these minerals build strong bones and teeth.
Collagen & Gelatin – Found in meat stock, these support gum health and jaw development.
Traditional cultures, as studied by Dr. Weston A. Price, showed lower rates of cavities in children consuming diets rich in animal fats, fermented foods, and mineral-rich broths..
3. Does Breast Milk Pool in the Mouth Overnight?
Many dentists worry that breast milk sits on a baby’s teeth while they sleep, contributing to decay. But breastfeeding mechanics prevent this from happening:
Babies actively suck and swallow milk when nursing.
Milk flow stops when they stop sucking, unlike a bottle, which can drip milk into the mouth.
Saliva production naturally neutralizes acid, reducing bacteria buildup.
What Actually Causes Cavities in Toddlers?
Rather than blaming breast milk, research shows that cavities develop when certain conditions in the mouth allow bacteria to thrive, producing acid that weakens enamel over time.
Here are the biggest risk factors for early childhood cavities:
Frequent Snacking on Processed Carbs
Crackers, puffs, cereals, granola bars, and other refined grains might seem harmless, but they quickly break down into simple sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria. These foods also tend to be sticky, meaning they adhere to the grooves of molars and between teeth, where bacteria can easily ferment them into acids.
💡 Solution: Stick to whole, nutrient-dense snacks like raw cheese, avocado, boiled eggs, or sprouted nuts to prevent constant sugar exposure to teeth.
Sugary & Acidic Drinks
Fruit juices, sodas, and even some store-bought yogurts can erode enamel over time due to their high sugar content and acidity. Even "natural" sugars from fruit juice behave similarly to refined sugars when they coat the teeth, promoting bacterial growth.
💡 Solution: Instead of fruit juice, offer whole fruit with fiber, which slows sugar absorption and doesn’t stick to teeth as easily. Filtered water and meat stock are also great tooth-friendly hydration options.
Poor Oral Hygiene & Improper Brushing Habits
Even if a child eats a great diet, poor brushing habits can allow plaque buildup, which leads to decay. If food particles, especially fermentable carbohydrates, stay on the teeth for long periods, bacteria have more time to break them down into enamel-eroding acids.
💡 Solution: Start brushing baby teeth as soon as they erupt with a soft toothbrush and filtered water.
High-Starch Diets Without Proper Nutrients
Diets low in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and K2) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) contribute to weaker enamel and less resistance to decay. Weston A. Price’s research showed that traditional diets rich in animal fats, fermented foods, and broths led to stronger, more cavity-resistant teeth.
💡 Solution: Prioritize foods that naturally support remineralization, such as:
✔ Grass-fed butter, ghee, and tallow (rich in vitamin K2)
✔ Pastured egg yolks (high in vitamin A and D)
✔ Raw dairy or cheese (calcium, K2, and phosphorus)
✔ Bone-in sardines and homemade meat stock (bioavailable calcium and minerals)
Low Saliva Production & Mouth Breathing
Saliva plays a critical role in neutralizing acid and washing away food particles. Children who mouth-breathe due to allergies, congestion, or improper tongue posture often have dry mouths, which reduces saliva flow and increases cavity risk.
💡 Solution: Encourage proper nasal breathing and address congestion naturally with dietary changes (reducing inflammatory foods) and gut support. Hydration also helps maintain healthy saliva flow.
Frequent Nighttime Bottles or Sugary Snacks Before Bed
Toddlers who fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice (even formula or cow’s milk) may have prolonged sugar exposure in the mouth, leading to an increased risk of decay. Unlike breastfeeding, where milk flow is controlled by active sucking, bottles can drip continuously, allowing sugars to pool around teeth.
💡 Solution: If giving a bedtime bottle, make sure it’s only water after teeth have been brushed. If breastfeeding at night, focus on good oral hygiene rather than weaning prematurely.
Should You Wean to Prevent Cavities?
Based on current research, weaning from breastfeeding is not necessary to prevent cavities.
Instead, focus on overall oral hygiene, a nutrient-rich diet, and minimizing processed sugars.
If your dentist suggests weaning due to cavities, ask them for research backing their claims—because the science does not support this as a major cause.
By sticking with ancestral nutrition principles, practicing proper hygiene, and supporting oral health naturally, we can raise kids with strong, resilient teeth—without unnecessary weaning!
📖 Want more evidence-based parenting tips? Follow along for more insights into gut health, dental health, and toddler nutrition!