night nursing and teeth

[HarrietB]

I've heard from several sources that I shouldn't nurse my baby at night once she gets teeth because the sugar in the breast milk can cause bad cavities. This doesn't make sense to me. Would it make biological sense to have mother's milk be bad for babies? What does the research say?

Thanks,
Harriet B.
Santa Rosa CA

[PaxMamma]

this never made sense to me, either. it would be the equivalent of biological genocide if breastmilk were somehow bad for babies. however, there are still a plethora of dentists that will tell you this. what i have understood is that genetics play a huge role in tooth decay. some kids are more prone to it, whether they night feed or not.

[naomifrederickmd]

It's often said that breastfeeding (particularly while lying down at night) will cause tooth decay, just like letting a baby sleep with a bottle of milk can cause "baby bottle mouth." Essentially, a valid link has not been made between nursing (nighttime or otherwise) and cavities. (http://www.kellymom.com/bf/older-baby/tooth-decay.html)
above from
From Kellymom.com

also Breastfeeding and Infant Caries: No Connection (http://www.brianpalmerdds.com/bfeed_caries.htm)
and
Breastfeeding and Dental/Oral Health from La Leche League (http://www.llli.org/NB/NBdental.html)

I think your OK... Keep on breastfeeding that baby :)