Night Breastfeeding & Tooth Decay in Toddler. HELP!

You should google teeth caries in young children. I read this article recently that explained that some children have extra extra bad cavity causing bacteria in their mouthes and it doesn't have anything to do with how the teeth are taken care of- cavities will still take hold.

I would highly recommend taking him to the dentist, as tooth decay can transfer from baby teeth to permanent teeth before they come down.

Good luck!

do not feel bad about nursing at night! this is not the culprit! There is an ongoing discussion about this on many forums online. do a google search on "remineralizing childrens teeth" and you will find so much info. I have heard that it it actually caused by some sort of malnourishment during pregnancy, and has nothing to do with what you are doing now. I also know that most toothpastes actually make the problem worse because they inhibit proper enamel formation. the key ingredient, glycerin, inhibits enamel formation. I few resources for you are: http://askdrellie.blogspot.com/ http://toothsoap.com/ this is a product that helps remineralize teeth. There is also a holistic dentist in Groveland, ma that is amazing (folks travel all over the state just to go to his practice) I will try to find his name for you. remember that teeth are made up of minerals, they can just like bone, they can regrow. diet is also key, as well as some supplements and the use of xylitol(can be found in some tooth soaps and natural chewing gum). Nursing is not the culprit. I suggest doing more research on the subject.

We went through the same thing with 2 of our kids. My son nursed until 3 1/2 and my daughter until 5 yrs. Both had decay that the dentist blamed on the night time nursing. I too found articles like one other mom who commented about some kids being more susceptible to a certain bacteria. I also think my kids have softer teeth-a genetic thing. (My nephew had the same problems.)

We ended up having some of my son's teeth pulled and some capped. My daughter had 2 pulled. Both of these procedures were done in the hospital under anesthesia. Scary for us parents but the kids got through it ok. Try to save the teeth now before you get to that point, but do what you must.

Don't let your dentist belittle you with talk about how bad the night breastfeeding is. Mine would do that but I stuck to it knowing how much good the breastfeeding is for their immune sytsem.

You can read about the bacteria at www.mothering.com.

Good luck.

Hi,

There is a holistic dental practice in Groton MA. that I am sure would not give you a hard time about nursing at night.

Groton is far from where we live and the dental care there can cost more than our regular dentist, however, we have gone there a few times (for example, we got my son's sealants there because they use plastic without BPA and also they were more than understanding about our concerns with plastic sealants).

Also, I nursed one of my sons until he was 18 months old, and I think I also nursed him at night until 18 months old, and he did not have teeth problems, so as others have said, it may not have been the nursing.

Good luck!

I agree with the other responders. This is typically the age when children should start seeing a pediatric dentist (2-3 years old). There are some GREAT ones out there!!! Very kid friendly offices/doctors. Look into it and get him to be seen before any serious measures need to be taken (like having to have teeth extracted). Best of luck ;)

Hi there,
I just wanted to reemphasize the importance of getting your kiddo to the dentist. You mentioned what you can see....there might be more going on with the back of his teeth as well, problems you cannot see. This is not necessarily cosmetic dentistry, therefore it should be covered by insurance, private or HUSKY. Don't beat yourself up, there is nothing you can do about what has happened, you can only control the present and future (which is exactly what you are doing!) Good luck with those pearls.

What a tough situation to have to go through. It's clear how much you love your little guy. With regards to the weaning and horrendous nights; I think the experience is probbaly similiar to other things that you try to transition them to/away from. Like not rocking to sleep or falling asleep in the crib etc. my advice to that is that it sucks indeed but hang in there b/c I've found it is harder before it gets better. Of course during those hard parts I question if i'm not doing more harm than good. So far it's always been more good.

With regards to the actual decay, I'd really recemmend getting him to the dentist as tooth decay in the baby teeth can potentially cause problems in his adult teeth. There are great pediatric dentist who deal with the kids who don't want to be there everyday.

Good luck!

Breast milk does contain proteins and sugars which are the cause of decay if a child is allowed to fall asleep at the bottle or breast. The milk pools around the teeth. Also, many parents do not realize it but once your child gets their first tooth, you should be at least wiping it with a piece of gauze to help protect it after meals.

If his teeth are 'chipping away' You do need to get to a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Tooth decay in a toddlers teeth can lead to damage to the grown teeth as well as other health issues. Its amazing how many health issues we have due to problems with our teeth.
A pediatric dentist is trained to work with young children and will be able to guide your child through the process.

Hi E.~
You are not the worst mom ever! You are a wonderful mom, listening to your child's needs.

This is my understanding: night breastfeeding has been implicated in tooth decay in some cases - mostly the studies that I have seen indicate problems if food sugars are still in the mouth when breastfeeding. So brushing after meals - & particularly at night before bed - is crucial. Additional studies I've seen show that breastmilk can be a cavity preventative, again, when not combined with food sugars. Bottles of formula or milk at night are much worse for teeth (juice too, of course!).

I night weaned my co-sleeping 2.5 yr old for different reasons. If you feel like it will help to night wean, I thought I'd pass along what we found helpful: 1.) I talked to DS about how we would nurse in the morning, & before bed, but no longer at night. He would say "No more nu-nu at night. I know." 2.) think about replacing the night nursing with some other nurturing thing...A song, a back-rub, hugs & kisses. For DS it was stories. We did this for a few weeks, then 'weaned' him off stories to snuggles. 3.) wear heavy sweatshirts & have glasses of water available.

I highly recommend you try to find a dentist who is at least familiar with EBF, & who will gently & slowly interact with your son. I wish I had a recommendation for you - sorry! I would connect with your local La Lech League ASAP (even call the leaders), I've always foudn them amazingly helpful for any breastfeeding related issue. You may also want to post on www.mothering.com dental & breastfeeding forums. Good luck!

Breastfeeding does not cause baby bottle tooth decay! Keep on nursing, mama... Heres a link to a Kelly Mom article about the subject: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/older-baby/tooth-decay.html

You might have really good luck w/ a pediatric dentist. Our 2.5 year old is terrible at the doctor hates strangers touching him, talking to him, etc but was really really really good at the boys pediatric dentist. They couldn't exam him in the big dentist chair he had to sit lay in my lap but other then that he was wonderful. My cousin Emily had her front four teeth pulled out as a toddler and other then having a hard time w/ a few sounds. I would also have them pulled rather then restored that's a lot of money to spend on teeth that will fall out. All I can say is floss and brush those teeth.

Some kids/adults have teeth issues because of genetic factors, and even if they take great care of their teeth things can happen. That being said, while he is young, you need to do what you can for him to hopefully prevent teeth issues further down the road. At his age, getting a regular brushing routine down (twice a day, after sugary foods, etc.) is key, and it sounds like you are already doing that, which is great. Limiting juices is also a good idea. It sounds like the milk buildup during the night has led to these problems, since it doesn't get brushed off right away and it lingers, leading to plaque and possible decay. My oldest didn't visit the dentist for the first time until age 3, per the doctor's recommendation. My youngest is now 2 and I anticipate taking her next spring when she nears 3. So you are not too late! A pediatric dentist sounds like a great idea for your son.

I take great care of my teeth, always have, but I have spent THOUSANDS in root canals, gum grafting, crowns, you name it. I try to do what I can proactively for my kids now since the money I have had to spend in my adult life could have been used for so many other purposes!! You are not the worst mom ever... just go forward now and don't beat yourself up about it. Good luck to you!

You should search out a good pediatric dentist and make an appointment for him to be seen. They will be able to advise you on what to do. They may simply be discolored from milk teeth, or they may need attention so that they do not do damage to his second teeth. They may also recommend a fluoride treatment of some sort in order to preserve the teeth he has.

Many pediatric dentists let you sit in the chair and hold your son while they do their work. Regardless, you want to do what is best for your son.

First of all, don't beat yourself up, there is nothing you can do about the past (and I'm not saying that there was anything you should have done differently, either!). However, now you have the issue with your son's teeth and something needs to be done. I would highly recommend taking him to a pediatric dentist, they are specially trained in how to deal with young people (even high energy little boys!). If his teeth are decayed so that you can tell by looking and chipping away, he is in danger of a serious infection. I know he seems young and it may not be fun for either of you, but dental health is an extremely important factor of overall health! Even though his baby teeth will fall out, the infections and diseases that start in the mouth and gums can travel throughout the body and cause major issues. I'm not trying to scare you and I may seem alarmist, but I really think this is a serious issue. Try to find a pediatric dentist in your area and get some professional advice, it may not be as bad as it seems - or you'll get the help you need! Good luck!

Stop beating yourself up and feeling bad about the situation. You are doing the right thing by weaning him now. He will learn new ways to sooth himself and sleep. If you were planning on moving him into his own bed at some point, now might be a good time. Sometimes making a big move/switching things up, leaves them with enough new stimulation and change that forget about the nursing. That worked for me when we moved to a new house.

I would take him to the dentist right away. If you feel more comfortable, find one that specializes in pediatrics. My kids first visit was around age 2 and the hygienist and dentist did a great job of making it fun for the kids. I'm sure they will have good suggestions and options.

Good luck.

Hi E.-

First- at least on the breastfeeding part you are not alone - so don't feel too bad. I think you should definitely bring him to see a dentist- they know how to handle kids well and at least can help with advice.

I know the weaning process can be hard-- I actually went the other way- stopped daytime for a year - at around 2- but kept night feeding until 3. It's hard when they are attached to it for sleep as mine was too. We found that just setting a date- giving him a reward- and then saying mom didn't make milk anymore since he wasn't a baby anymore worked for u. We only had one night of waking several times- and then he insisted that he needed to cuddle and rest his hand on me to have the comfort to sleep. It worked.

But it's hard and adding guilt to the equation is going to make it hard for both of you- so please go a bit easier on yourself- and know that you are now doing what you can to make things right.

As for affording things- check out the local dental schools and I beleive there is also state assistance for kids teeth- you may find there is more help than you assumed.

Not sure what others have devised...I don't think breastfeeding is the issue. Many babies and toddlers continue to night nurse without teeth problems. Tooth decay is much more related to genetics and nutrition that milk, persay. Check out the book, "Cure Tooth Decay" - lots of natural alternatives. There are many nutritional and topical things you can do (mineral broths from chicken bones are great for tooth decay, as is topical xylitol) to keep this from getting worse. Thankfully baby teeth aren't permanent and you have some time to fix the problem! =)

YOU ARE NOT THE WORST MOM EVER!!!!! You are a loving wonderful mother who HAS done what is the right thing for you and your child, and do not ever think any different. Yes, this totally stinks, and I am sorry for what you are going through. I know as one mother to another we love our children more than ourselves and we feel their pain 100 times more than they do. So Please I know its hard but try not to beat your self up about this.
I was a dental assistant in pediatrics before I had my daughter. If you can find a pediatric dentist that you feel comfortable with it may help to get an opinion. The only other time I have heard of this was my father was breast fed for a long period of time as well, and I know he had "bottle decay" even though he did not have a bottle. eventually the teeth were removed. But that was soooo many yrs ago, my dad is 60, and my grandmother who is still alive and going strong knock on wood, always says how she did everything right, and just could not get over it ect.... She too felt horrible as she should not have it was not her fault, nor is it yours.
I know it will be hard, but I strongly reccomend weaning him from the breast feeding, if you still want him to get your milk you can pump into a sippy cup. But at this age I know he should not be on a bottle, so breastfeeding is probably a no as well.
Even if you just take him to a dentist to look at him, their may be something you can do at home to pro long the life of the teeth for now. I just want you to know that we would always tell our patients that their adult teeth will be affected on how the baby teeth are cared for, so you do not want to affect the adult teeth at all. I am not sure where you live but I take my daughter to Dentistry for Children in South Weymouth, and she loves it, they are very patient and gentle and never ever force anything.
AGAIN, you are an amazing mother, and I envy you for continuing to do what is best for your child. You did not do this, if it is caused by the breastfeeding then fine, but you did NOT intend nor know that this would happen. We are all mothers here and we all try our very best, and thats what makes us mothers, we love are children the best way we know how. This is a bump in the road, and it will be okay I promise!!! Hang in there!!!!

E. - When I read your post, it broke my heart. I remember taking my 3.5 (now 5) year old to the dentist for the 1st time and being told he had a small cavity on one of his back teeth! I felt like a terrible mother for not taking him to the dentist sooner. The dentist explained to me if we did not fix the small area of decay it would only get worse. He also recommended that my daughter at age 2 should come see him. It is a great idea to introduce them to the dentist at an early age. They get their teeth cleaned, counted and a flouride treatment to prevent decay. At this age your son has around 4 or 5 years before his teeth start falling out! My advice to you would be to take him asap and get those teeth fixed. He may not like "a stranger poking around in his mouth" but you will cause him far more physical pain if you wait. Not to mention the emotional pain. I was lucky that the decay was caught early and my son did not need a shot of novacane. As an adult there is nothing I find more painful than novacane. If you wait until your son needs his front teeth pulled I would guess it will require novacane and a great deal of pain following the procedure. Also, tooth decay can lead to other serious health problems including infections. Talk to your pediatrician, maybe he/she could recommend a good pediatric dentist. I am sure that if cost is an issue, you could arrange a payment plan with the dentist. The bottom line is that you are the parent and you are responsible for your childs overall health. Also, remember, YOU are the boss. Children sometimes have to do things they don't want to, like go to the Dr or DDS, sleep in their own bed, stop breast feeding, eat their veggies, take a bath, do homework etc. It is our responsibility as parents to manage it all. Along with all the good things, saying no, delivering punnishment and sleepless nights are part of the job we all signed up for.

I am sorry if my response seemed a bit harsh in spots. You obviously love your son and I think you will do what is best for him. Good luck.

I completely understand how you feel. My daughter had the same experience right before turning two. I did swallow my pride and brought her to the dentist. He was able to restore her teeth without pulling. Insurance paid for most of it. My son will soon be three and he too still nurses. He has terrible asthma and I think this still helps his immune system. I don't plan to stop atleast for another few months. I just be sure to brush his teeth very good before bed and as soon as he wakes up. I am of course paranoid of him having the same issues his sister did (hers was from drinking juice during the night...shame on me!). Anyway, just wanted you to know you aren't alone. Yes, you'll feel terrible about it but you know they are only baby teeth and will soon fall out on their own.

Hi Elishia
I would take your son to a pediatric dentist for a dental exam. Don't let your fear interfere with getting your son proper dental care. A good one will now how to handle a 'challenging' patient. I had the same fears about the dentist with my son, but I was amazed at how well he did. He is 6 and loves to go to the dentist now. In my experience dental problem only get worse without treatment. Good Luck

I would ask you pedi and as much as you don't think he'll like it I would go to the dentist. You assume it will be terrible, but maybe it won't be. Also do you have flouride in your water? If not he should be on a prescription for it. Good Luck. Don't beat yourself up everyone has different teeth and we can't always predict why it happens to some kids and not others.

it isn't the breastfeeding - JUICE is a MAJOR culprit, and so are other factors others have mentioned. but if you're still worried about the bf, i recommend just give a little squirt of water from a syringe (not with a needle! just the plastic syringe like they use in baby motrin or whatever!) into his mouth after he's done nursing, and then put a dab of infant pro-biotics into his mouth on your finger (like florababy) - that will rinse out the milk and provide healthy bacteria to counter the bad bugs. don't quit the bf!!! if you both love it, do it!!

OMG, I hear you!!! I am in a similar situation... we are real natural as well and I have had a struggle with teaching our daughter how to brush her teeth. I hear from some moms that they breastfeed until 3 years old and never had any problems. Well, I am at 20 months and breastfeeding my girl still and we are starting to have issues in her front 4 teeth. a white line up near the gum line and brown spots. I went to the dentist and they said I needed to wipe her teeth after every feeding. they gave her a fluoride treatment (yikes) and I am at a loss as well! I am still nursing but cutting back from our nighttime feedings but she still nurses before bed (I wipe her teeth, which she now lets me) and once at 4 am, 5 am and 6 am. I have a super loud expressive stubborn and hungry little gal in the morning. I am glad to see this post. You are not the only mama out there feeling the same way. Thank you for sharing. M~

first you need to calm down honey. Dont think you are responsible for this situation. I have a hard time believing that breast feeding has caused tooth decay.
I think he needs to see the dentist.
Mercer Mayer has an excellent book titled, Going to the Dentist that helped my grandson with his first visit.
And in my opinion that is where your little guy needs to go.
His doc has nothing to say about this?
I nursed several of mine to nearly three years old ( I breast fed all seven of them) One nursed til a bit after three...no cavities from breast milk.
Do you brush his teeth at bedtime?
Please reconsider, there are some fine pediatric dentists out there.
And stop beating yourself up. My baby sister had problem with her teeth and all were rotten by the time she was four or five...something to do with enamel. She got her second teeth just fine, but has had life long trouble with teeth /gums. Was NOT my mothers fault.
Best wishes and GOd bless
Grandmother Lowell

I just went through something similar with my DD. She's now 3.5 and has been seeing the dentist since she was about 18m. Ever since the first visit the dentist (pediatric) had *encouraged* me to wean her stating that her "demineralization" across her teeth was directly related to nursing (she's now weaned but only recently). I discussed with our ped. who didn't think nursing was the culprit and said that some babies/kids have a bacteria in their mouths, related to strep, that causes quicker decay. Long story short I changed to a different ped. dentist who said her decay isn't bad, but we do supplement with topical fluroide and her teeth are holding steady. You may want to take him to the dentist (a nursing friendly/educated one) to have them checked and perhaps start with some additional flouride or have any cavities filled before they become worse. Also inquire about the bacteria. Good luck to you! So so so many people are so uneducated about nursing and it's very frustrating.