supplementing a breastfed 2yo?

[MunchiesMom]

Hi all! I recently posted about DS (2) having some extensive dental work done. I'm on a mission to never walk this path again, so I've been researching diet changes, dental hygene improvements and now I'm on to supplements.

I've read a lot about cod liver oil. Can someone tell me more about it?

I also have read about increasing vitamin D. Is this necessary in a breastfed toddler (I'm a SAHM so he has unlimited access). We get more than 15 minutes a day direct sunlight.

Finally, would he benefit from a calcium, magnesium, zinc supplement? I talked to a local retailer today, but she felt that he should have everything he needs since he's BF.

Are there any other steps I can take to improve the quality and strength of DS's teeth? Since he's cavity prone and we just got them fixed, I want to start off with a clean slate.

TIA!!!

[LadyCatherine185]

lurking..

DS recently had some extensive dental work done as well... I haven't found much on what to do to prevent him from having to have it done again. We did start a multivitamen, and began using a flouride toothpaste. He is still nursing, but I have no milk left due to pregnancy.. and he is dairy sensitive so I can't give him cow's milk.. he does tolerate cheese though and I try to give him that for extra calcium. Google Weston A. Price and his Traditional Diet.. it is supposed to be great, especially for teeth! For us right now a little too hard to follow, especially since DS is dairy sensitive, but you may want to check it out! Good luck!

[karika]

vitamin d is instrumental and may be the deciding factor in tooth health as well as many other bodily functions it is being discovered. If you are getting plenty of it the natural way, its all good. The majority of humans are woefully deficient in vitamin d however. You can have a test done to find out for sure. Or you can just get the d3 drops from NOW and use those. The ingredients in conventional and alternative toothpastes may actually be the cause of many dental issues. This page talks about glycerin in toothpaste and the role it plays in decay. http://toothsoap.com/shop-online/faqs (hmmm they moved the info there... looking again) Fluoride has been exposed (IMO) for the dangerous toxin that it is. I do not use or allow my children to use anything with fluoride in it now that I have researched it so thoroughly. Calcium via non human mammal's milk will not do anything productive for the teeth (IMO), in fact it contributes to the decline. (I just found this interesting site, this page http://www.herballegacy.com/Teeth.html has a few neat things- here is an excerpt
"Botanical or herbal sources for calcium are: arrow root, comfrey, camomile, chives, dandelion root, flaxseed, horsetail grass, nettle, okra pods, oat straw, plantain, shepherds purse (and, of course, eat good foods rich in calcium). [HHH p.117]"
I think the way to protect teeth is through diet. A diet devoid of dairy and soy. No chemicals like HFCS, food colorings, msg, processed sugar (I still believe natural sugar is okay in doses, and of course natural sweeteners like honey) or GMO products. Eating fruits, vegetables, and protein sources, grains like rice and amaranth (we avoid gluten too). Water to drink, smoothies and fresh juice from a juicer in. Having the child and yourself drink only water (and mm) will help so much IMO. It cleans the mouth. Using GSE to kill off any bacteria or yeast you may be harboring, then replenishing the good bacteria with a healthy probiotic that has billions not millions... oh I wrote too long. hth