My 2-year old's teeth keep breaking?

the dentist told me I have to stop breastfeeding him as this causes the breakage. I want to breastfeed as long as he wants. What do you suggest?

My 2-year old's teeth keep breaking?
You may want to get a second opinion on your child's teeth... which teeth are fracturing (front, back or both?) Are they discolored, painful, do they have jagged edges? Are the fractures complete (through the whole tooth) or does it look like the enamel only fractured? An opinion from a pediatric dentist might be a good idea to rule anything genetic in origin. Unless it is a decay issue, nursing will not cause pure fractures of tooth structure.


-Good luck! cgl DDS
Reply:You are still breastfeeding at 2 years old?! You need to stop, it's time to stop, I know it's hard to wing him, but you need to before it gets even harder for him and you! His immune system is well enough now where whole milk is just as good!
Reply:I would suggest you find a peditatric dentist and have his teeth checked. This does not sound even credible.





Two years is about the latest one should be breastfeeding.
Reply:I'm no doctor and I don't have kids, but 2 seems a little old to still be breast feeding.
Reply:Never in my life have a I heard this.





Breastmilk can cause tooth decay, but not anymore than any other beverage besides water.





And teeth that are BREAKING??? That sounds like a serious calcium deficiency to me.





I think you need to talk to your pediatrician - today!





I know lots of people who breast feed long after 2 years old and allow the baby to self ween. It's your choice when you should stop breastfeeding him.
Reply:you shouldn't still be breastfeeding a 2 year old. wanting to "breastfeed as long as he wants" is no way to teach your children, plus they don't really know what they want. that's why parents are there for you to make decisions for you. if you do everything he wants he'll never learn that you are in charge. if your dentist is telling you that that is the reason for your child's teeth breaking i would listen to him, he knows better than you or i. Plus what is more important, your son's dental hygiene or your desire to give your son whatever he wants?
Reply:It sounds like your son needs flouride and more calcium. Your breast milk is probaby not providing all the minerals needed for your toddlers teeth at this point in life. You can also supplement your breast milk with whole milk as well! Good luck to you!
Reply:I have an adult friend who has "brittle teeth"- something she inherited from her dad. She has had issues of teeth breaking her whole life, and has mostly false teeth- You wouldn't know from looking at her)





You need to ask a pediatrician about it. And, there is plenty of medical benefits to nursing a toddler- So good for you!





To the posters who say you are wrong for nursing a toddler...The less scientific data someone has the more opinionated they are about something...
Reply:Obviously your breast milk does not contain a good level of nutrition for a 2 year old. This is why you should stop breast feeding.





It is natural to ween a baby in nature all baby animals want to continue breast feeding but a good mother forces the kid to stop.





Would you let him play with knives just because he wants to? Follow natures course and stop breast feeding.





There is no scientific debate on breast feeding. It helps build an immune system and after 6 months is completely useless because the child needs more than any breast can deliver.
Reply:First, find health professionals for your family that have the same beliefs and feelings about childrens' health that you do. There are pro-breastfeeding docs out there.


Yes, breast milk can cause tooth decay, so can juice, cow's milk, goat's milk, soda, rice milk, soy milk, and nearly anything else he could want to drink. The only food or drink that does not contribute to tooth decay is water.


Breastfeeding is incredibly healthy for your child. Many children suck their thumbs (which are harder than nipples) and have no problem with their teeth. Your breast, and your milk, will not do any harm to your child.


He could have brittle teeth. You need to find a pediatric dentist that will help you by looking into other possible causes, instead of just attacking your feeding practices (which, let's face it, is the easiest thing for the dentist to do).


And no, two years old is not too old to be nursing. Many women in many places in the world breastfeed their children until they are at least three years old. The milk your body produces is for your child. Why wouldn't you give it to him as long as he wants?



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