Will breastfeeding harm my baby's or toddler's teeth?

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Will breastfeeding harm my baby's or toddler's teeth?

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Breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful things a mother can do for a child's health. It doesn't harm the child's body, but it can harm the teeth if there is plaque on them and they are not thoroughly cleaned. We encourage, before nursing, very good hygiene, flossing the baby, brushing the baby, or even using a soft washcloth to clean the baby's teeth, if they only have one or two teeth. So when the baby is done nursing, there isn't any plaque on the teeth and the baby can fall asleep peacefully. A lot of problems happen if the teeth have not been brushed or flossed, there's plaque on them. The baby nurses, then they go to sleep ,and the plaques and the sugars from the milk, that's when demineralization happens and decay can start in baby teeth, almost immediately, if they are not taken care of.

See Gina Gonzalez, DDS's video on Will breastfeeding harm my baby's or toddler's teeth?...

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Gina Gonzalez, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Gina Gonzalez, DDS has been interested in dental care most of her life. She started working as a dental assistant in high school.  After graduating, she pursued her career by attending the University of Southern California from which she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1982.  She was involved in creating new standards for dental hygiene in Spain where she also developed a dental hygiene school.

Dr. Gina Gonzalez earned her doctorate of dental surgery from the USC School of Dentistry in 1991.  As a lifelong learner, Dr. Gonzalez continues to study preventive and esthetic dentistry at renowned educational institutions all over the United States.  Her certifications include CEREC technology and Invisalign.  In addition to providing superb dental services to patients in her office, she dedicates her knowledge and skill to many philanthropic projects in the community and worldwide.  Annually, she is involved in a dental mission to Guatemala in which she provides dental care to people who would go without it otherwise.  She also regularly serves the elderly in Southern California through the Oral Eldercare Program. Dr. Gina Gonzalez is part of the USC School of Dentistry Board of Directors and is a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association.   

In her leisure time, she enjoys Salsa dancing, participating in the art of Krav Maga and entertaining her two wonderful daughters.

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