Dentists are being advised to read new guidance1 from Public Health England (PHE) summarising the evidence on breastfeeding and dental health.

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In July 2018, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published its report Feeding in the first year of life2 which gave the latest evidence on nutrition, diet and health and included a review of the evidence on dental caries and breastfeeding.

It concluded that breastfeeding in the first year of life is associated with a decreased risk of dental caries and in order to support dental teams in advising families on this topic, PHE has developed its updated evidence summary on breastfeeding and dental health and an infographic.

PHE said dental teams had a key role in supporting mothers to breastfeed and giving consistent advice on infant feeding.

They should be advising mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months and at this stage, solid foods could be introduced alongside continued breastfeeding. A wide range of foods should be introduced avoiding sugary foods and drinks. A cup can also be introduced from six months but only with breast milk, infant formula or plain water.

PHE also recommended that dental professionals emphasise that breastfeeding is good for oral and general health and that when a mixed diet is established, to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Parents should start brushing their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth has erupted with fluoride toothpaste and visit the dental team for advice and care.

Making a dental practice breastfeeding friendly can be simple and let women know that they are supported, said PHE. Many women felt nervous about breastfeeding in public so practices could show that they welcomed and supported this by displaying an easily recognisable sticker and sharing information about why breastfeeding is important. More information is available by visiting the breastfeeding network's breastfeeding friendly scheme.3

The consideration of children breastfed beyond 12 months was not within the remit of the SACN evidence review but it will shortly be reviewing the evidence for children aged 12-60 months including oral health.