Info on Breastfeeding and Dental Caries...

[Emmeline II]

Both my breast fed babes (2&4) have cavities. The 2yo is still night nursing and I've had two lectures from two dentists this week . Does anyone have the studies and analysis concerning those studies? We're just saying that dd is night weaned but I'd like to be prepared in case the dentists start to cause doubt in dh or it comes up with the ils.

[goldfemme]

found this on kellymom.com
http://www.kellymom.net/bf/older-baby/tooth-decay.html

there are a ton of links to articles at the bottom

[beatrixmum]

Here is another great article on the topic http://www.mothering.com/articles/gr.../cavities.html

It seems that so much study has been done in the last dozen years and that many dentists aren't keeping up with the latest info. My 2 yo DD has ECC and has had extensive dental restoration i.e., 4 crowns, 5 root canals. Now that her bacteria levels are at zero with the restoration/professional cleaning we're trying to keep them that way. We're continuing to nurse even at night, but are very careful about brushing 2-3 times a day and not share spoons, etc her. No more dried fruit and very little sugar in her diet.

There are many factors that contribute to ECC it seems that breastfeeding isn't one of them, but going to sleep with a wet mouth that already has other foods lurking isn't a good idea. Dr. Sears I think has advice on how to brush a child's teeth effectively. Its the most important thing IMO. Good luck!