breast feeding and tooth decay.

[belgo]

My sister in law is a dentist and told me today that breast milk is very bad for children's teeth. Quite why she told me this I'm not sure - I stopping bfing both my girls ages ago.

I would love to have some research to prove her wrong.

Bad for their teeth ie it rots them? My first guess would be that the high sugar content of breastmilk together with the very prolonged duration of breast feeding versus bottle feeding might increase tooth decay.

But I find it improbable, somehow.

Nope, she is wrong.

Kellymom explains more

I'm not sure I agree with the "non pooling" of milk in bf babies mouths......both DS1 and DS3 frequently fell asleep still attached ot the breast, suckled in their sleep (but didn't swallow) - and either woke themselves up coughing and spluttering when their mouths were full or opened their mouths and milked dribbled out everywhere

and reason 78 (of the 101 reasons to breastfeed) says

"# Breastfed babies have less tooth decay
Breast milk contains bacteria fighting cells that may help kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Furthermore, bottle-fed babies "are at increased risk for baby bottle caries, a destructive dental condition which occurs when a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing formula, milk, juice or other fluids high in carbohydrates. Extensive dental repair may be required at a cost of thousands of dollars." Furthermore, breast milk contains bacteria fighting cells that may help kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Loesche WJ, "Nutrition and dental decay in infants." Am J Clin Nutr 41; 423-435, 1985"

So they can still get it, but it's less common.

Seriously does anyone put their child to bed with a bottle left in their mouth ?

I'm amazed, surely it leaks all over the pillow and sheets it it falls out of the childs mouth as they doze off.

thank you for your replies.