Really weird negative message from my dentist and others yesterday re. extended breastfeeding

[SleepFreeZone]

So went to the dentist yesterday and hot talking about my 6 month old still waking me regularly in the night to feed. She expressed surprise I was still breast feeding initially then suggested I stop sooner rather than later because of the risk of tooth decay as 'breast milk is very sweet'.

I said that babies relied on milk as their primary food source until 1, so I had planned to breast feed until 1 and see what I felt like then (my older DC weaned himself at 1 which was fine). She said I should quit then ideally . I said WHO guidelines were to feed till 2 and she was horrified.

So I go downstairs and start chit chatting to the receptionists who were telling me stories of recent referred cases where the children had decayed teeth because of extended breast feeding and everyone in the surgery was shocked.

Here is my question. Surely it depends on whether the child is feeding through the night as they get older so the teeth are constantly awash with milk? If my youngest starts to sleep through and I just feed in the day then surely that's ok? How is it different to giving cows milk in the day?

They made me feel like breast milk was the Devils drink for teeth and I should just give the whole thing up immediately.

I think baby toothpaste also tends to have a milder flavour.

The extending feeding example I was given was a 5 year old who was still being breast fed and had s mouth ful of rotten teeth. Not just one and two apparently A MOUTHFUL!!

One of the Colgate baby toothpastes has no fluoride at all. Maybe it is all this confusion with toothpaste types that is part of the problem. If people are using zero flouride toothpaste they must have a higher risk of tooth decay. I think I will stick with using a smear of the normal toothpaste for my baby, it's cheaper and it works just fine and he hasn't expressed any dislike of the taste.

Ds is nearly three and still breastfeeding and has perfect teeth. Tell them to bore off.

Woooah just seen your child is six months!! I'd make a complaint to be honest. That really isn't extended and it's hard enough without being giving incorrect and unpleasant advice.

My sister and I were breastfed until 3. We have really strong teeth. No fillings until 30. My own son was born 3 months premature so by rights should have awful teeth also was breastfed until 3. His teeth are perfect. I think diet and genetics play a far bigger role in dental health. I would do a bit of research and find a pro breastfeeding dentist as that dentist hasn't got a clue.

*The extending feeding example I was given was a 5 year old who was still being breast fed and had s mouth ful of rotten teeth. Not just one and two apparently A MOUTHFUL!!

I was breastfed for a year, I'm nearly 40 and have no fillings yet

Baby toothpaste is also massively sweet. I tried some once and promptly switched DD to adult toothpaste.

This study (looking at all the evidence to the time it was done) suggests bf overall protective against caries (esp in first year), but after 12 months night feeding might be an issue
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/26206663/

I've heard it said that for oral health you should night wean after a year, but that would apply to any milk not just breast milk. Didn't do this myself though!!

In our area the oral health lady says "breast to cup" (no bottles, just go from breast Feeding transition to open cup for water or daytime milk later on - eg if giving cows milk)

I think the fluoride in toothpaste for 1year on is meant to be 1000ppm...

Hi,

I'm a dental nurse/ student dental therapist.

I would NOT say b/feeding is a problem. Every dentist knows tooth decay is caused by frequency of intake of sugars (found in food and drink). If you feed very frequently then yes, your little one is more at risk of decay. But feeding every few hours, in most cases will not cause a major decay problem under 2 years of age.

Breast milk is best for your baby. Many factors are involved in decay including how lucky you are genetically...some peoples teeth are stronger than others.
I would say, ensure you brush teeth twice a day with a child's fluoride toothpaste. Brush at least half hour after feed (as the acid from milk, or any other food gets brushed with the teeth and acts as an abrasive to enamel). The same advice goes for children as adults.....snacking is terrible for teeth so try to feed, have a break before feeding again.

Another thing to consider is this. Decay is more common in children/infants because they have smaller stomachs and appetites. So to get their nutrition for the day, they need to feed little and often. But as adults we stick to 3 meals a day, which is what prevents tooth decay. What I'm saying is that SOME amount of decay in under 5's is acceptable and not shocking at all.

Hope this helps, try not to worry, you are doing the best for your baby.

Ps Do not switch to adult toothpaste, the fluoride content is too high for baby.
Also...you are applying a smear to toothbrush. This is a tiny amount, less than a pea.

I'm amazed my teeth aren't knackered as I don't eat three meals a day intend to eat small amounts little and often. I try to avoid sugar though and don't drink fizzy drinks. Perhaps that helps ( I have no fillings at the grand age of 41)

6 months! What the fuck? That's not 'extended breastfeeding' at all, that's just breastfeeding. The World Health Organisation recommend bf until "at least 2 years". I'm sure they took dental hygiene into account when coming to that recommendation.