Breastfeeding and dental care?

petal040 · Jan 31st, 2010, 07:31 AM

I am starting to wonder... when my LO gets teeth... am I supposed to brush after every night feed (if LO is still waking in the night by then - ha! Hope springs eternal!)...

For everyone who has babies with teeth... what do you do?

Also, sorry if this is a personal question, but for those who have breastfed for a year or more... have your LO's had any problems with their teeth, e.g. decay or gum problems or anything? And what do you do re. brushing? I'm a bit worried (probably because of the GMTV coca cola comparison - shouldn't have let it get to me

) but also because I met a little boy who was 3 recently, still breastfed, and noticed his teeth were brown... ? It might have had nothing to do with the fact he is breastfed though?

I'm wondering if we should change things a little with our bedtime routine, as at the moment bf is the last thing we do. I'm wondering if I should make sleeping bag the last thing, so that in future I could slip a wee brush in there too?

mumnbean · Jan 31st, 2010, 08:31 AM

Nursing caries (which is what you're describing) is more commonly caused by putting a baby to sleep with a bottle. So baby is having small amounts of milk dripping and sitting against teeth for most of the night. Sugars in the milk/formula is as bad as any other source, and can lead to decay if the right bacteria start to thrive in the mouth.

My recommendation would be to simply wipe babys teeth and gums with a soft towel/cloth/guaze after the feed. The saliva in their mouth will be enough natural protection until they are awake and can do a proper clean.

I think the fact you are aware and concerned about it will be enough to mean you are doing the right things to prevent decay as best you can!

Lu28 · Jan 31st, 2010, 09:00 AM

I've been wondering the same myself, we've been doing teeth then bf then bed, just because it's her bedtime routine. Might just give her teeth a quick wipe from now on

lfernie · Jan 31st, 2010, 19:08 PM

I never even thought of this! Is breastmilk really that sweet? X

Lu28 · Jan 31st, 2010, 19:11 PM

Yeah, it is pretty sweet. Have a taste if it doesn't gross you out too much!

lfernie · Jan 31st, 2010, 19:51 PM

I know I really should I actually keep meaning to but ryans usually guzzling it up

Jan 31st, 2010, 07:31 AM	#1
petal040 Dad Active BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK Posts: 527	Breastfeeding and dental care? I am starting to wonder... when my LO gets teeth... am I supposed to brush after every night feed (if LO is still waking in the night by then - ha! Hope springs eternal!)... For everyone who has babies with teeth... what do you do? Also, sorry if this is a personal question, but for those who have breastfed for a year or more... have your LO's had any problems with their teeth, e.g. decay or gum problems or anything? And what do you do re. brushing? I'm a bit worried (probably because of the GMTV coca cola comparison - shouldn't have let it get to me ) but also because I met a little boy who was 3 recently, still breastfed, and noticed his teeth were brown... ? It might have had nothing to do with the fact he is breastfed though? I'm wondering if we should change things a little with our bedtime routine, as at the moment bf is the last thing we do. I'm wondering if I should make sleeping bag the last thing, so that in future I could slip a wee brush in there too?

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Jan 31st, 2010, 08:31 AM	#2
mumnbean Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 988	Nursing caries (which is what you're describing) is more commonly caused by putting a baby to sleep with a bottle. So baby is having small amounts of milk dripping and sitting against teeth for most of the night. Sugars in the milk/formula is as bad as any other source, and can lead to decay if the right bacteria start to thrive in the mouth. My recommendation would be to simply wipe babys teeth and gums with a soft towel/cloth/guaze after the feed. The saliva in their mouth will be enough natural protection until they are awake and can do a proper clean. I think the fact you are aware and concerned about it will be enough to mean you are doing the right things to prevent decay as best you can!

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Jan 31st, 2010, 09:00 AM	#3
Lu28 Mum (Mom) BnB Elite Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 12,646	I've been wondering the same myself, we've been doing teeth then bf then bed, just because it's her bedtime routine. Might just give her teeth a quick wipe from now on
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Jan 31st, 2010, 19:08 PM	#4
lfernie Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,334	I never even thought of this! Is breastmilk really that sweet? X

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Jan 31st, 2010, 19:11 PM	#5
Lu28 Mum (Mom) BnB Elite Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 12,646	Yeah, it is pretty sweet. Have a taste if it doesn't gross you out too much!
	Bespoke silver fingerprint, handprint and footprint jewellery.
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Jan 31st, 2010, 19:51 PM	#6
lfernie Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,334	I know I really should I actually keep meaning to but ryans usually guzzling it up

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