XL17: Breastfeeding/Infant Caries and the Pacifier/SIDS Issues

Lecturer: Dr Brian Palmer
CERPs: 1.0 L CERP
Cost: US$15.00
Access period: One week
Lecture recorded: at GOLD09
Synopsis: For years, it has been the official position of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), that “Ad libitum nocturnal breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary tooth begins to erupt”. The first primary tooth usually starts to erupt around 5 - 6 months of age. The implied purpose of this recommendation is to reduce the risk of infant caries (tooth decay) caused by human breastmilk.
Register Now: Registration at SummitZero
About the Lecturer: click "Read more..."

About the lecture: For years, it has been the official position of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), that “Ad libitum nocturnal breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary tooth begins to erupt”. The first primary tooth usually starts to erupt around 5 - 6 months of age. The implied purpose of this recommendation is to reduce the risk of infant caries (tooth decay) caused by human breastmilk. The AAPD also recommends that ‘At-Will’ breastfeeding be discouraged for the same reason. It appears that these recommendations have been interpreted by many pedodontists around the world, that breastfeeding / breastmilk causes tooth decay. For this reason, many pedodontists and some general dentists who treat children, tell mothers to stop breastfeeding altogether if their child has any tooth decay. Some pedodontists have even told mothers it is a form of ‘child abuse’ if they continue to breastfeed if their child has any decay. Because of harsh statements like this from the dental professionals, many mothers are made to feel guilty for their infant’s decay, and stop breastfeeding. For this reason, many children are denied the many benefits of breastfeeding. In his presentation, Dr. Palmer discusses these issues. In 2005, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) developed a policy which recommended that all infants be given pacifiers when placed down to sleep as a possible way to reduce the risk of SIDS. During his presentation, Dr. Palmer discusses the principles on which this policy is based and his research on the consequences of pacifiers on the proper growth and development of the oral cavity, airway and facial form.

About the lecturer: After graduating as a dentist in 1970, Dr. Brian Palmer practiced family dentistry in Kansas City for 35 years. During that time he did extensive research on the importance of the act of breastfeeding as it relates to total health and how it can possibly reduce the risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), SIDS, otitis media, bedwetting, hyperactivity and long face syndrome. After retiring in 2005, Brian has given presentations on his research at the International level for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA), and La Leche League International (LLLI). He is a member of the Health Advisory Council for La Leche League International.