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Breastfeeding promotes dental health

Breastfeeding helps the mother and child in every aspect of Miyupimaatisiiun (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development). It is also great for a baby’s face, mouth, and teeth. 

Breastfeeding helps promote dental health naturally by assisting the healthy development of a child's face and mouth. It helps position teeth correctly and prevents cavities. It may also reduce the use of a pacifier during childhood, which can cause problems such as a narrow mouth or teeth that stick out.  

Mother looking at sleeping baby

Did you know?

Breastfeeding also aids the proper development of the respiratory tract and helps prevent ear infections.  

8 ways that breastfeeding helps support the health of mothers and babies

Specifically, it can support dental health through: 

  1. Good development of the lower part of the face  
  2. Correct positioning of the teeth 
  3. Good growth of the jaw bones 
  4. Proper development of the respiratory tract 
  5. Preventing cavities 
  6. Preventing ear infections 
  7. Limiting the use of a namatchigan (soother) during childhood, which can lead to dental health problems 
  8. Helping the child develop a beautiful smile – preventing a narrow roof of the mouth and teeth that stick out 

 

Did you know?

Breastmilk is clean, nutritious, ready to use, and always the perfect temperature. 

Recommendations

The Cree Health Board recommends that: 

  • Babies are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of life, without any other liquids or solid foods. 
  • Breastfeeding can then continue after 6 months, for up to 2 years and beyond, with the addition of appropriate healthy foods. 

Through the implementation of the World Health Organization's "Baby Friendly Initiative", breastfeeding program activities in Eeyou Istchee encourage, protect and support breastfeeding.

You can get this service by contacting the Awash team at your local CMC.

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ᐋ ᓅᔖᓂᐦᐋᐅᓱᓈᓅᒡ

The breastfeeding program provides information and support to breastfeeding mothers, including helping them to ensure successful breastfeeding.

The Dental and Oral Health Program organizes and carries out activities and initiatives to prevent tooth decay and to support oral health. 

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