question for extended breastfeeders

[merrymonsters]

I'm still breastfeeding by 25 month old. She feeds to sleep at bedtime and one or two short feeds during the day.

Today a doctor friend told me that breastfeeding (or any drink other than water) without brushing their teeth afterwards at bedtime (i.e. feeding her to sleep at bedtime after brushing her teeth) is really bad for their teeth. This is because breastmilk is really sweet and 'as bad as Ribena'.

DD was still feeding during the night until I put a stop to it at 17 months. Obviously no one wakes a sleeping baby to brush their teeth. She's had a few check-ups at the dentist and she's never said anything, but I guess she wouldn't assume that I'm breastfeeding. She drinks cows milk during the day as well.

I'm thinking of weaning her off the bedtime feed. Has anyone had problems with their breastfed child's teeth? Does anyone know of any official advice about this?

Well done for bfing to term. I think he is just wrong.

Take a look at what Kellymom has to say.

I think your doctor is wrong too.

How long have the human race been using toothbrushes and toothpaste, as opposed to how long they have been breastfeeding for. I think evolution has got it right. Ignore him.

I have heard that breastmilk is fine, if the teeth are clean. But if there is any sugar etc in the mouth anyway, then it can have a bad effect on the teeth. (Maybe the milk sort of picks up the sugar etc and pools against the teeth?) - The nipple being further back is the main reason though I think.

So just brush her teeth before feeding is the answer. Sorry, I can't remember where I heard that though.

Your doctor friend is not as clever as s/he thinks.

And fwiw my dd (3.11) has perfect teeth, and fed to sleep until later than your dd.

Thank you all. I'm feeling better now.

Have a look at this website by a dentist chappie with humungous amounts of research on bf and dental effects. You'll find it very reassuring (and your GP would be enlightened)

"Prehistoric skulls, on the other hand, have/had minimal decay in their teeth. They did not have the benefit of fluoride either. Since breastfeeding was the only way of nurturing infants in the past, breastfeeding cannot be accused of causing dental decay today."

here

and

here

enjoy.