Does Breast Milk Make Babies Teeth Brown?

Teeth will rot when milk is left on teeth if she falls asleep with breast in the mouth. Two ways to overcome this is to stop feeding her when she gets drowsy and just hold her when she falls asleep or cuddle her and let her fall asleep with just water but still getting the same cuddle time with you.

Nursing during the night or to fall asleep CAN cause tooth decay in infants. It is the same if they were to fall asleep with a bottle. The sugars from the milk stays in their mouths longer and therefore can lead to decay.

HOWEVER, both of my children nursed to fall asleep and they nursed during the night until they were weaned. We co-slept, so there was even more of a chance of them developing bottle tooth decay because we both often fell asleep while breastfeeding. Neither one of my children developed bottle tooth decay and we weren't even that good about brushing their teeth. No cavities in their front teeth or discoloration what-so-ever. I am not saying that this can't happen to your daughter, but from my experience, it didn't. I hope this puts your mind at ease, I wouldn't worry too much, just keep doing what you're doing and relax:)

1st off, Peds aren't dentists...although even dentists can say the same BS. Too much flouride is what makes teeth brown (outside of rotting teeth). If that were true, both my kids would have brown teeth, especially since my son nursed until he was 2. Only go to peds if your child is sick, don't go for parenting advice, sleep advice, breastfeeding advice (in general on that one), because those are not their specialties. My one year old is the same way, though she gets up a little more often then twice, but she's still a baby, she still needs it, and you'll find it easier to work WITH her then AGAINST her...everyone gets more sleep that way and that's way more important then so-called "bad habits" she'll grow out of eventually.

I have a friend with 6 kids and the youngest 2 she let sleep in her bed and they would go to sleep with breast milk in their mouths....wake to nurse and fall asleep again with milk in their mouths. The youngest 2 have totally rotten baby teeth that had to be capped to be saved...till they fall out as the kids get older. I nursed my 4 to sleep, but sat them up to burp before laying them in their cribs and we've had no problems (they're now 13-17 years old).

I'm a Chiropractor and I have never heard of breast milk making babies teeth turn brown. I have 2 daughters, ages 11 and 6. I co-slept with both of them and nursed them until they were 2 years old. They nursed on and off all night long. It was a comfort to them, fostered bonding, and gave them the nutrition they needed when they needed it. It was also convenient for me to be able to give them what they needed without having to get up. It can be exhausting when you have little ones. After a while we were in such a sleeping routine, and since I wore a nursing gown each baby learned to just nuzzle close and nurse without fully waking up. That allowed me to get much needed rest. I hope you find the right solution for your family. This was what was right for ours.
P.S. I have a dear friend that nursed her daughter until she was 4 years old. She is 5 now and has a beautiful smile with nice white teeth. Hope this helps:)

Sounds silly to me. I nursed my son at night, as have PLENTY of other moms I know, and none of our kids have brown teeth!!!!!!

As long as you are brushing them regularly, I don't see why there would be a concern...

I've nursed three children to sleep with no decay problems. If you are seeing decay, then you should consider stopping. But if you are not, I would not suffer with sleepless nights. There's no need to go cold turkey. You could try gently night weaning. I suggest reading the No Cry Sleep Solution for tips on doing that.

Here's an article that challenges the theory of dental carries being caused by breastfeeding and looks at the study that lists it as a cause.
http://www.compleatmother.com/bf_carries.htm
And some other articles to look at:
http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/bf3.asp
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/older-baby/tooth-decay.html

I'm sure you can do some more research yourself, as well, if you need to.

I wouldnt worry about it. All of my kids nursed well after a year old and all of them still have nice teeth.

Although breast milk contains sugar, as does formula, it can cause tooth decay. But, when a baby drinks from a bottle and falls asleep, the nipple will continue to drip. A breast will not do this when a baby is done nursing.

I nursed all 4 of my children to sleep for naps, at night, and all during the night, and none of them has brown teeth! :) One of them had a decayed molar which needed a crown when he was 2. The dentist tried to blame breastfeeding, but I asked him why only one tooth was decayed, and all of the surrounding teeth were fine. He then admitted that it was a problem with the enamel and not with breastfeeding.

Nurse that baby! :)

I am still nursing my 2.5 year old. He does have caries (at least 4). One tooth is brown. When I discovered the caries, I did night wean. I do not believe that nursing caused this. Although, it is important to evaluate your child's risk factors. My son has a dairy sensitivity, so it is likely that he didn't get enough calcium and vitamin D when he was exclusively breastfed. Now, I think his nutrition is fine because he eats a wide variety of healthy foods and takes supplements. The damage to his enamel had already begun, so now we are just trying to slow the decay enough that his teeth will fall out naturally in 3-4 years. Another risk factor is that my husband and I both have a history of caries.

In sum, every child is unique. I wish that I had taken extra precautions earlier with my son's teeth, but I am glad that I am still nursing him. Other than a few cavities, he is very healthy and happy and smart as a whip.

I will also note that among my many friends who nursed their children, some developed serious caries, and others didn't. I'd keep nursing, but take precautions like impeccable dental hygeine and good nutrition.

My son has been nap and night time nursing his whole life; he just turned 2yrs old on the 4th. None of his teeth are brown, in fact his teeth are in very good condition. I brush his teeth every night before bed, and in the morning after he wakes up. HTH!

~L.