At three years old, she ’s still breastfeeding and her morning breath doesn’t stink!! Despite eating the same foods as us, she seems to be protected from the mouth bacteria that makes our breath smell.
Here are our four theories on this phenomenon.
Theory #1: The Process Of Breastfeeding Alters Mom's Sense Of Smell
Just imagine, Maybe breastfeeding releases enzymes that combat the bacteria that causes bad breathe in her mouth.
This bad bacteria fighting enzyme was created so that mother’s will continue to hold their babies close, even after they have had a nap and open their mouth wide to yarn.
As a breastfeeding mom, I can totally smell trash and other people’s halitosis, but for some reason my child’s breath is inviting and slightly sweet. I’m kind of addicted and love sticking my nose in her mouth moments after she wakes.
Theory #2: Mother's Milk Is The Natural Toothpaste & Mouth Wash
It isn’t too hard to imagine that mother’s milk would help in caring for baby’s teeth.
Also known as milk teeth, these space holders ensure that adult teeth fit perfectly in our mouths. Since they have such an important role, maybe our bodies needed a good way to care for them. And it wouldn't be surprising that breast milk has another crucial role in the development of our babies.
I don't know about you, but for the first year I struggled to properly brush our daughters' teeth. The soft tooth brushes were too hard. I then used a rough wash cloth, but I'm not sure it properly cleaned their teeth. I'm also not so sure I actually needed it.
Just like how, breastmilk is able to heal scabs, wounds, and infections on other parts of our bodies. I'm pretty convinced it is also able to fight off oral intruders.
Theory #3: She’s Too New For Oral Problems
Maybe our three year-old hasn’t been on earth or been eating solid foods long enough to develop the oral problems adults have.
I don't think this is true, because our girls definitely get plaque on their teeth and the white debri on their tongues.
Thankfully, they haven’t had any cavities or other serious dental issues.
I also noticed, the moment our older daughter stopped nursing, was when brushing her teeth wasn’t an option. We had to be more deliberate about making sure she practiced good oral hygiene including using mouth wash.
Theory #4: The Process Of Breastfeeding Alters Baby’s Sense Of Smell
This last theory isn't about her breath, but more about mine and our desire to bond.
See, my morning breath stinks but apparently it doesn’t bother our little one.
She doesn’t seem to mind any of my body odors (such as sweaty armpits) so it’s not too far fetched to think that she is immune to smelling my breath because of something special in the process of making milk.
Maybe this omission in her sense of smell is a survival adaptation, to ensure that being around me would be a desirable experience, so that she would continue to nurse.
These are our theories. What are your thoughts? Does your breastfed baby have stinky breath?
Until next time.
Peace & Love,
Dominique
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