The evidence in favour of stopping bottle-feeding by the age of one has been strong for some time but there has been no clear evidence around breastfeeding and dental health. However, new research1 published in 2017 found a higher risk of dental caries if breastfeeding continues on demand and through the night after the age of 12 months.
President of BSPD Claire Stevens said: ‘There is an emerging evidence-base that suggests that when a baby is breast fed on demand and through the night after 12 months of age following the introduction of solid foods, there is a potential link with dental decay.