Researchers advise parents to stop feeding babies sugary liquids from bottles, or sweetening water with honey, thought to be good for dental health, or letting babies fall asleep on the nipple.
The findings do not mean researchers advocate switching from breast-feeding to cow milk. They do suggest, however, that nursing mothers pay special attention to their baby's oral hygiene after feedings.
Dr. Ruth Lawrence, author of "Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession," and professor at the university, says, "In families where cavities are prevalent, there's also an urgent need to avoid feeding all night once the teeth have erupted."
These findings support previous research that human milk is no worse for teeth than many infant formulas.
The study is published in the October issue of the journal Pediatrics.
