Breastfeeding Does NOT Cause Cavities!

This week, we took our 2 year old to have her teeth examined by a dentist. The dentist pointed out, unfortunately, that Claire has several cavities (front & back). So, of course, we'll schedule Claire to have her teeth fixed as soon as possible. The dentist also recommended we wean her from the breast completely "because night-nursing and nursing after 1 year is the cause of her cavities." I might add that this was a terrible suggestion based on incorrect, inaccurate information printed throughout the brochures given to us *after* our visit.

Night-nursing and nursing after the age of 1 year "does not increase the risk of a child getting cavities enough to cause parents to intentionally wean their babies at night" (http://www.askdrsears.com/), & I (and probably several other nursing mothers) was upset to hear the dentist say this. The dentist also disagreed with me when I mentioned that genes also played a big role in this situation, as well (our oldest child has no cavities at 4.5 years & she nursed for 3.5 years).

The practice also has a brochure (attached) that states:

"Do not permit your child to nurse passively on the breast or bottle while sleeping... Your child should be weaned, and solid foods introduced in his diet, soon after the first birthday."

The huge difference between bottle nipples and breastfeeding is that when a child stops breastfeeding, milk stops coming out. This is not the case with a bottle where gravity plays a big part of its continuous flow.

I'm sure you're familiar with the resources below... I intend to night-wean Claire (again) but not fully wean her. Oh, what misinformation is out there!



Is Breastfeeding Linked to Tooth Decay? (from Kellymom)
" In a baby who does have a genetic problem, weaning will not slow down the rate of decay and may speed it up due to lack of lactoferrin. "
(This link contains several additional links of studies...)

Preventive Oral Health Intervention for Pediatricians (from AAP)
"Parents and caregivers should be counseled on the importance of reducing exposure to sugars in foods and drinks. To decrease the risk of dental caries and ensure the best possible health and developmental outcomes, it is recommended that parents do the following:

1. Breastfeed infants during the first year of life and beyond as is mutually desired.29
2. After nursing, remove the breast from a sleeping infant's mouth and cleanse the gums and teeth after feedings and before bedtime..."

Breastfeeding and Oral Health Issues (from LLLI)
"Alternative health care options for dental issues are rarely discussed. Dr. Enzor discussed the use of essential oils, homeopathy, probiotics, and certain foods that she has seen good results with in her practice. Some essential oils with antibacterial properties, such as tea tree, clove, red thyme, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, may be especially useful as nighttime nursing aids. Parents should mix a few drops of the oil with a few ounces of water, and wipe the solution on the child's teeth and gums."


"Does Nighttime Breastfeeding Cause Cavities?" (from Dr. Sears)
"... in general, night-nursing does NOT increase the risk of a child getting cavities enough to cause parents to intentionally wean their babies at night. You may have other reasons to do so, but do not wean at night in order to decrease cavities."

Just to name a few sources. There are plenty more not listed. Knowledge is powerful!