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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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My daughter had her 15 month well-baby check-up today. The doctor gave me a lecture about still nursing. He told me the AAP recommends no bottle or breastfeeding after 1 year because of tooth decay. I do brush her teeth. Am I really doing her great harm?
In 1997, the Work Group on Breastfeeding of the American Academy of Pediatrics published a policy statement on breastfeeding. It was published in Pediatrics, Vol. 100, #6, December 1997.The statement said, ""It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."" The AAP statement on breastfeeding does not mention stopping breastfeeding due to the possibility of tooth decay.
Overall, breastfed toddlers have less tooth decay than bottle-feeding toddlers. Breast milk is swallowed differently than milk taken from a bottle. It moves from the breast down the throat, and does not pool around the teeth. Sometimes breastfeeding babies develop decay ""despite"" the fact that they are nursing. This is thought to be an inherited susceptibility or an enamel defect in the primary teeth.
A different, little known benefit to the teeth of nursing is the prevention of malocclusion. Increased duration of breastfeeding is associated with a decline in the proportion of children with crooked teeth, thereby decreasing the need for orthodontics in later years.
Nursing past a year has many advantages for your daughter. Perhaps you could find a local LLL group to support you in breastfeeding your baby for as long as is mutually desired! Check www.lalecheleague.org for a local group.
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