HELP! Milk Allergic Co-sleeping 16-month old with obvious dental decay!

[majicasonrisa]

I have just recently noticed my dd's teeth changing before my eyes. The edges look rocky and there are white spots and even a white line across the middle of her four top teeth. I cannot help feel like I am a little to blame with the all-night nursing and nursing her to sleep. I brush her teeth regularly (water only) and she even lets me floss them! My family has a Hx of dental issues so I am not surprised, although I thought that if I took good care of her teeth from the beginning, she might be in the clear. She has NEVER had a sip of juice or a bite of candy. She does eat an occassional dried fruit, but nothing sticky. She barely has teeth (6 total). Her milk allergy does concern me and the more I think about it the more I think it may be a calcium deficiency... So, we are both dairy-free because of the breastfeeding and if she is not getting enough calcium then what is happening to my bones and teeth? So, I decided to "force brush" her teeth for the last few days and it has been a nightmare. I have never "forced" her to do anything and I feel like it goes out of my comfort zone to respect her as a person. So, she cries and turns her head away and then when it is over looks at me tearfully and says and signs "Milk". She wants comfort in nursing after that horrible experience and I am thinking "I just brushed your teeth free of milk sugars!" Augh!!! Anyone heard of milk allergic kids and tooth problems?

[circlemama]

Similar story, my dd just turned 3, and I noticed white lines on her front teeth and spots on two of her molars exactly a year ago. I am nursing her and we were both dairy free until a few months ago. She can now tolerate cheese and yogurt. I occasionally took calcium supplements. "Not so great
teeth" run in my family, we weren't brushing as diligently as we could have.
We did seek conventional treatment, that's a whole other story. However, we floss a few times a day, brush before all nursings and use xylitol on a regular basis. I recall coming across some information about kids with food allergies and dental caries, but haven't been able to locate it. From my research, it's a whole bunch of things that can cause decay. I was obsessed with it, until we got her teeth repaired. However, they are just baby teeth and they can be fixed, if that's the path you want to take. I have heard of many stories of keeping the decay halted by many different ways. There are some great yahoo groups on this subject, may be worth checking out. My thoughts are with you.

[kiminsac]

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[bleurae]

Hi Majica, I just wanted to second all that Kim said. ECC (early childhood caries) is such a nightmare to deal with, but it is not your fault and I very seriously doubt it is related to calcium, it is caused by a bacteria. It is aggressive, and when a child gets it, however they do, it becomes a matter of how best to manage it. All adults have the bacteris but adult teeth are not like baby teeth and do not disintegrate from it. I believe strongly mine became susceptible from my having to be on anti-biotics teice while pregnant. I also have read a child can get the bacteria from sharing a drinking cup from their parent or even kisses. If you ever need any info or support please do not hesitate.

[majicasonrisa]

Thanks for the support mamas! I went to the links Kim suggested and it freaked me out a little. We have shared toothbrushes (I know to some this is gross, but in our family is means we REALLY love each other). Oh.. I kiss her on the mouth ALL day long and we are always sharing a glass and food utensils! Oh well on those things! I did look for the Xylitol gum at the coop and could not find it in the gum section (dd was getting cranky so I didn't ask anyone there). I also forgot to say before that she had a really short latch when breastfeeding. You know how you can see where their teeth imprinted on your breat sometimes. It really doesn't look like my nipple makes it to the back of her throat. Too late to change a latch? Thanks. Majica

[bleurae]

Hi Majica,
I just bought out ALL the fruit flavored Xylichew at the co-op because we are going out of town...sorry! It is down from the coffee in the candy section. I know they also have another type of it in the toothpaste section as well, but the fruit flavored is only the xylichew, all the rest is mint flavors and many kids aren't into that. Whole Foods has it as well, I have gotten it there. I cannot remember where it was but it usually is with the candy.

hth

[kiminsac]

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