Breastfeeding and Oral Health

Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for both mother and baby, yet many new mothers have concerns about how it may affect their oral health. Questions about dental treatment, calcium loss, and tooth damage are common and unfortunately, so are misconceptions. Here’s what the evidence tells us.

Can Breastfeeding Affect my Oral Health?

Breastfeeding itself does not directly damage teeth. However, the postpartum period can create conditions that increase the risk of oral health problems. Research shows that new mothers may experience changes in diet and increased snacking to meet higher energy demands, reduced time for oral hygiene due to caring responsibilities, dehydration and dry mouth, and ongoing hormonal changes that may influence gum health. In addition, women who experienced pregnancy gingivitis may continue to experience gum inflammation after birth if it is not properly managed. These factors are more likely to contribute to tooth decay or gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and attending routine dental appointments remain the best ways to protect oral health during breastfeeding.

Is it Safe to have Dental Treatment while Breastfeeding?

Yes, it is. The consensus among healthcare professionals is that routine dental treatment is safe during breastfeeding. Delaying necessary treatment can often pose a greater risk than receiving care. Breastfeeding mothers should continue attending dental exams and inform their dentist that they are nursing so that any medications prescribed can be selected appropriately.

Can I have “Big Dental Work” Done while Breastfeeding?

In most cases, yes.

Common dental procedures that are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding include dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, x-rays and periodontal treatment. Local anaesthetics used in dentistry transfer into breast milk in extremely small amounts and are widely regarded as compatible with breastfeeding. Similarly, many commonly prescribed antibiotics and pain-relief medications can be used safely. If more extensive treatment is required, your dentist can discuss medication options and timing to ensure treatment remains compatible with breastfeeding.

Do I need to Stop Breastfeeding after Dental Treatment?

For most routine dental procedures, the answer is no. A common myth is that mothers’ must “pump and dump” after receiving local anaesthetic or dental treatment. Current evidence does not support this practice for standard dental care. If sedation or specific prescription medications are required, your dentist or healthcare provider can advise on any necessary precautions, but routine dental treatment rarely requires interruption of breastfeeding.

Does Breastfeeding cause Calcium Loss from Teeth?

This is a huge myth in oral health. Breastfeeding does increase a mother’s calcium requirements, but calcium is not removed from the teeth to produce breast milk. Instead, when dietary calcium intake is insufficient, the body temporarily draws calcium from bone stores. Research shows that this bone loss is typically transient, with bone mineral density recovering after weaning. There is no scientific evidence that breastfeeding causes teeth to lose calcium or become weaker. The belief likely stems from the fact that some women experience dental problems during the postpartum period. However, these issues are more commonly associated with dietary changes, increased cavity risk, dry mouth, or pre-existing oral disease rather than calcium being “taken from the teeth.” Maintaining adequate dietary calcium, vitamin D, and good oral hygiene remains important throughout breastfeeding.