Sandra - posted on 12/07/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )
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Hello everyone,
My daughter in now 11 months old. We always co-sleep and of course she is still nursing at night. I was wondering if anyone has problems with their baby's teeth. I see some brown staining on her teeth mostly on front and on the back. My husband asked if it can be from nursing her and comparing it to babies that get cavities when the bottle is left in their mouth at night time. After he asked me that i got nervous and we are going to a dental appt. tomorrow. If this is true i will feel so bad and guilty. Thanks!
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Sammie - posted on 12/08/2010
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Yep i agree, breastfeeding does not cause bad teeth.
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I agree with Jodi and don't be discouraged if the dentist blames breastfeeding. It's always the first thing blamed. Dental carries are more genetic than anything. Sharing slobbery kisses, utensils, drinks, etc. can pass your bacteria (or whoever) to her. Brush often and do see the dentist. The link Jodi provided has great info.
Jodi - posted on 12/08/2010
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Breastfeeding does not cause the same problems as bottle rot! First off, the nipple is generally far back in the mouth and behind the teeth, the milk goes straight down the throat for any that may leak out while co-sleeping/nursing so that the milk doesn't have the same tendancy to pool around the molars and sit on the teeth all night as is oftentimes the case with the bottle. Secondly, breastmilk has natural cavity/bacteria fighting properties to it to help decrease the chances of cavities in young children.
Here's a link to Kellymom.com discussing this very matter. Rest assured, you have nothing to feel guilty about! I would still get your LO to a dentist though, she might have weak enamel or some other dental problem unrelated to breastfeeding.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/older-baby/to...