Breast Milk Caused My 2.5 Year Old's Tooth Decay?

My dentist told me the same thing about my 18 month old son, at the time. I did not stop nursing him in bed. Dentists have, I think, a dim view of extended nursing. What I don't get is, breastmilk has antibacterial qualities, too. So why would it cause tooth decay?

I nursed my oldest in bed to sleep till he was weaned (not my choice) at 19 months. His teeth are perfect. No problems. His ped. thinks the dentist is full of it, that people's pH in their mouth is what it is... and that is why people get cavities. He says he brushes his own teeth constantly and always has cavities, but he knows people (like me) who have never had a cavity no matter how much or how little they brush.

Use the flouride, I guess.. but my ped told me since the teeth are going to come out anyway, just to brush and hope for the best. Hope this helps. I would NOT want my child sedated, either.

N.,

I say get a second opinion before you do anything else.

When we moved, I decided to change dentists. Long and short - the new dentist said I had tons of "between the teeth" cavities and decay issues that needed to be addressed immediately. I left the office crying and bewildered. How could this happen? How could my family dentist for years have been so negligent?

Once I got composed, I called back the "new" dentist and asked him for copies of the xrays, and a full write up of all the work he was recommending (including insurance codes) so I could get a second opinion.

I got a referral from a friend in the field for another local dentist. I went into his office armed with all of the information. He offered to take new xrays for no charge because he said copies are imperfect and not accurate enough to make a decision off of. After reviewing my new xrays, and all the notes, he said there was NOTHING wrong with my teeth.

Just like (medical) "doctors", you need to remain in control of your own and your family's health decisions. It sounds to me like in this case something is awry. Who knows, maybe your dentist is planning a family trip to Jamaica and is finding creative ways to finance it? I would hate to think this is true of any professional. But it does happen. Go get a second opinion. And then you can at least feel better about whatever decision you make.

Good luck!

Sara

My daughter is 3.5, and just had two cavities filled, one of which was so big (almost looked like 1/3 of the tooth was missing on the side) that they actually put a metal cap. She too had no issues 6 months before, and I was told that it is not uncommon for the cavities to develop quickly. The first dentist said that she had to be sedated for the procedure. I didn't feel comfortable and took her to the pediatric dentist Ted Loiben, and he did all the work in about 30 minutes. She did very well, started to cry at one point, but he was able to console her quickly. I was very pleased as I expected major ordeal, and it went so smooth. I too felt bad about her getting cavities so young, but I think it has to do with genetics more then anything. I have horrible teeth, so she must have got that from me.

My youngest had numerous cavities noticeable at about the same age. Her older brothers had none & they had the same diet & hygiene so I believe her enamel was just weaker. It was frustrating and stressful. We tried the flouride for several months but she ended up having work done anyway. We were referred to a pediatric dentist on Lincoln Ave who was practically sadistic. It was so traumatic I cant remember her name, think it started with an H. Thankfully we found Dr Mary Hayes downtown.

There is an ongoing discussion on the Mothering.com board that might have some things for you to look into. Many moms there that are dealing or have dealt with the same problem. It's a lot to read through and digest, but I hope it helps out in at least giving you some ideas to try. http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=399989

N.:

your dentist is not knowable about breastfeeding or breastmilk.. it is really not his field.

check out Brian Palmer dds's website and work for accurate information.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

I have 3 kids ( 11 yr old and 7yr old twins). The oldest and one of my twins, both have had numerous cavities and dental issues. The other twin just received another clean bill ( no cavities). So, I think for some kids no matter what you do some will get cavities and some will not. Try the flouride and have the dentist watch the teeth. Can they do the nitrous oxide to relax him and see if that works when they do the fillings?