Dentist told me to wean or switch to formula! WTF?

[hartfelt]

I took my 14 mo old in for a dental check up today and the dentist told me to wean her or switch her to formula. Does that seem completely absurd to anyone else? How is formula better for teeth than breastmilk? He told me if I didn't wean, I needed to brush her teeth after every night feeding. Can someone point me in the right direction for some good information on Breastfeeding and toddler teeth. I am definitely not going back to that dentist, but would like to do my own research. Tia!

[~savah~]

I don't have any resources for you (sorry), but I just don't see how that could be right. FWIW, my daughter had six cavities in her four front teeth at around 20 months and her dentist never said one thing to me about breastfeeding. It might not be a bad idea to wipe your dc's mouth with a cloth after night feedings though.

[ssh]

Breastmilk doesn't promote bacteria growth at all, it has antibacterial properties so it doesn't cause cavities. Leaving other food residue on the teeth at bedtime and then breastfeeding can cause cavities though. Some people are more prone to cavities than others. Both my DDs weaned themselves and nursed at night. My oldest DD, 24 now, didn't have a single cavity until she was an adult. My 5 year old DD needed several teeth repaired by 3.5. I was also very cavity prone and had lots of dental work done at age 3 and my mother weaned me at 6 months so it sure wasn't breastmilk. Not having adults share food with your LO can help prevent the introduction of cavity causing bacteria in her mouth. I wish I'd heard that one sooner. Also the World Health Org. suggest nursing until age two. I wouldn't listen to nursing advice from a dentist. The boost to your DDs immune system and the link between breastmilk and the prevention of diabetes are more important issues anyway.

You might want to cross post on the breastfeeding forum too. I've seen info on this topic there.

[Panserbjorne]

double post.

[Panserbjorne]

it's more the issue of breast vs bottle.  It's now being recognized even by pro breastfeeding dentists that if there are structural abnormalities (that are quite common) breastfeeding *can* promote cavity formation on certain teeth (upper four front mostly.) 

Bottlefeeding is a different mechanism, and milk wouldn't pool in the same way as a result.  That's not to say you should quit breastfeeding or introduce a bottle...I'm just saying there is legitimate info out there regarding this subject.  Breastmilk doesn't grow bacteria, but if held against the teeth for a prolonged period (which it's not meant to do) it can spell trouble.

[Athravil]

In Norway we are advised by dentists and healthpersonell to start brushing the teeth from first tooth with a soft baby toooth brush. We are generally very pro breastfeeding but both breastmilk and formula are sweet and may therefore cause cavities which we have to consider when night feeding after teething. However, formula is considered worse than breasmilk and since it is easier to judge amount of food eaten by the baby they are more prone to encourage night weaning from formula than breastmilk. 

My advice is to start brushing teeth and breastfeed as long as you and the baby like! Keep in mind that good dental hygiene from early on also give good dental hygiene later. It is a good habit to have. And I find it easier to learn a baby rather a stubborn toddler refusing to open the mouth... 

[MittensKittens]

Originally Posted by Panserbjorne 

it's more the issue of breast vs bottle.  It's now being recognized even by pro breastfeeding dentists that if there are structural abnormalities (that are quite common) breastfeeding *can* promote cavity formation on certain teeth (upper four front mostly.) 

Bottlefeeding is a different mechanism, and milk wouldn't pool in the same way as a result.  That's not to say you should quit breastfeeding or introduce a bottle...I'm just saying there is legitimate info out there regarding this subject.  Breastmilk doesn't grow bacteria, but if held against the teeth for a prolonged period (which it's not meant to do) it can spell trouble.

Do you have any information? Links to studies?

We are dealing with toddler tooth decay as well. My son is 24 months old. His sister (4 yo) has perfect teeth. I have finally found a dentist that is willing to fill and not just drill and leave an open hole (because we live in Eastern Europe and dentists have some crazy ideas here). Our appointment is tomorrow. I never saw any evidence that breastfeeding promotes tooth decay, though I did see that improper cleaning of the teeth in combination with nigh nursing may do the trick. We are also vegetarian. I have no idea what caused my son's decay, but I would sure like to know more.

Last month, it was mild discoloration. This month, it is full blown decay. Depressing, no? Hugs to you, OP. Weaning at 14 months sure doesn't sound right.

[Panserbjorne]

you can take a look at www.kiddsteeth.com or http://www.tonguetie.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=3

Both have some great articles.