Talk to me about teeth!

[scrumdiddlydoo]

It's a few months off yet as DS is only 20 weeks but I'm starting to worry about teeth in more ways than one. Firstly, does bfing get alot harder when teeth come through? Secondly, it is highly likely DS will still want/need a couple of night feeds when he has teeth. He also currently feeds to sleep at night in a vain attempt on my part to try and get him to sleep for as long as possible! Im wondering what the impact of this will be on his teeth? Is it ok to put him to bed straight after a feed without cleaning them? I've thought about switching his routine around so he is fed before his bath so when the time comes it is easier to clean. I'm probably sounding completely nuts and neurotic and if I am, please tell me! Just yet another one of those things I spend my time worrying about! Thankyou for reading this far, any advice gratefully received!

My DD is 10 months and has three front teeth (two at the bottom and one at the top). She has never bitten me - very occasionally she will clamp down too hard but no worse than when it was just gums! I have heard of babies biting but try not to worry about it.

I understand that breastmilk alone is OK for teeth, just clean the teeth after the last food of the night. I certainly still breastfeed all too often in the night.

You don't sound nuts & neurotic - just like a mum (slightly frazzled and wondering what life's going to throw at you next!).

First off, with bfing you brush before the the bedtime feed - bm isn't cariogenic (doesn't cause decay) it actually protects against decay IF the teeth are clean (also it doesn't 'pool' in the mouth like liquid from a beaker/bottle as it's going in at the back of the mouth not the front).

Secondly, baby may have a few days where he is all 'what are those things in my mouth' and this may throw his latch off but it's not the end of bfing. It may take a bit more patience and some careful latching on though so be prepared for a bit of 'back to basics' with latching while he gets the hang of these funny things in his mouth.

Thirdly, bfing to sleep is completely normal (and brilliant from mum's POV!), this will tail off at some point whether that's in a few weeks or in a few years, it depends on your DS and what he needs - neither are wrong btw - so make the most of the 'off switch' while it still works .

Thankyou so much! You have both put my mind at rest, I shall indeed continue to use the 'off switch'!!