When is breast milk cariogenic?

• A. Always
• B. Only when combined with other carbohydrate sources
• C. Never
• D. When formula is mixed with solids

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that breast milk by itself is not highly carogenic. It contains lactose, a fermentable sugar, but the overall exposure to fermentable carbohydrate from breastfeeding alone is typically limited and the milk brings minerals and protective components that help protect the teeth. The cariogenic potential rises when other carbohydrate sources are present in the infant’s diet, such as added sugars or carbohydrate-containing foods, and especially with frequent or prolonged exposure (for example, letting milk sit in the mouth for long periods). So, breast milk becomes cariogenic mainly when it is combined with other carbohydrate sources in the mouth.