Breastfeeding After 18 Months and Tooth Decay

Breastfeeding

Continuing to breastfeed can be an important part of a child’s growth and development. At the same time, some parents wonder, “Does breastfeeding for longer make tooth decay more likely?”

The study discussed here found an association between breastfeeding at 18 months and tooth decay at age 3. However, this result alone does not prove that breastfeeding causes tooth decay. If you continue breastfeeding, it is also important to care for your child’s teeth.

1. Tooth decay was more common among children who were still breastfeeding

The study examined records from health checkups at 18 months and age 3 for about 69,000 children. Around 19% were still breastfeeding at 18 months.

At age 3, one or more cavities were found in 35.9% of children who were still breastfeeding at 18 months, compared with 23.7% of children who were not.

Three or more cavities were found in 19.2% of children who were still breastfeeding, compared with 10.5% of those who were not.

In other words, tooth decay was more common in the group that was still breastfeeding. However, the study found an association; it did not prove that breastfeeding alone caused the cavities.

2. The association remained after researchers considered lifestyle factors

The researchers also considered factors such as drinking sweet juice, parental help with toothbrushing, screen time, and family circumstances.

Even after taking these factors into account, tooth decay remained more common among children who were still breastfeeding. However, statistical analysis cannot account for every possible difference or factor that may not have been measured.

3. Existing cavities did not fully explain the findings

The researchers also considered whether parents might have continued breastfeeding to comfort children who already had dental problems.

Even when the analysis was limited to children who had no cavities at 18 months, tooth decay at age 3 was still more common among those who had been breastfeeding at 18 months.

4. Take extra care of teeth after nighttime feeds

Breast milk contains a sugar called lactose. Bacteria in the mouth can use sugars to produce acids, which may damage teeth.

Saliva, which helps rinse the mouth, decreases during sleep. As a result, falling asleep while nursing or going to bed without brushing after a nighttime feed may increase the strain on teeth.

5. Focus on dental care rather than stopping breastfeeding

This study does not recommend that parents stop breastfeeding or wean their child right away. If you continue breastfeeding, consider the following steps:

If your child often falls asleep while nursing, try to gradually change the routine when possible.
Brush your child’s teeth after the last feed of the night. If this is difficult, ask a dentist for advice on suitable care.
Once teeth appear, use fluoride toothpaste in an amount appropriate for your child’s age.
Visit a dental clinic regularly for checkups and preventive care.

If you are unsure whether to continue breastfeeding or how to care for your child’s teeth at night, talk with your pediatrician or dentist. You do not have to stop breastfeeding suddenly. A healthcare professional can help you find an approach that supports both breastfeeding and your child’s dental health.

Reference

Prolonged Breastfeeding at 18 Months and Early ChildhoodCaries at Age 3 Years: A Population- Based Cohort StudyFrom Japan. Int J Paed Dentistry Yodoshi 2026

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