So, is it cheeky to ask if they intend to compare the effect of ratmilk on human teeth? Seriously, though, this question does come up with a lot of mothers who are nursing their older babies/toddlers, and with those who have high need children who nurse a lot a night past their second birthday. These mothers already come under a lot of criticisms for their mothering, and I like to empower them with "good facts" when they encounter resistance to their continuing to breastfeed. I think the method of "delivery" has a lot to do with the exposure to teeth, as does heredity. If a toothed child nursed on the mother's nipple shallowly enough to be "bathed" in breastmilk, he would bite her, wouldn't he? I'll bet that wouldn't be allowed to continue for very long! Also, my children both nursed multiple years. My daughter has perfect teeth--she must have taken after me. My son's teeth quite literally erupted compromised (exposed dentin, very poor enamalization) which seems to follow the pattern of my husband's family. They are all avid brushers and flossers, and they all have absolutely terrible teeth! *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html