Though breastfeeding is sometimes seen as a way to protect against early cavities, a new study using rats suggests that breast milk may cause more cavities than cow’s milk does.However, researchers stress, breast milk appears no more likely to contribute to cavities than commonly used infant formulas -- and the animal findings should not be seen as a strike against breastfeeding.Cavities can form when certain decay-causing bacteria in the mouth turn sugar into acids that damage the protective enamel on the teeth.Not surprisingly, the new study found that sweet liquids like soda and honey- or sugar-sweetened water promoted dental erosion and cavities in baby rats. But while animals fed human milk showed far less tooth decay than those given such sugary drinks, they did develop more cavities than rats fed cow’s milk.
