Carrie,
The first thing I would do is evaluate for a lip tie as we now know that lip ties are a common cause of decay in the top front teeth.


Secondly, as I specialize in working with families with gut issues, many of my clients' toddlers are beginning to have tooth decay. Nutrition is the key to recovering from decay (so long as there is no structural issue, such as the LT) and to remineralizing teeth. The link below is to a book and website on the topic and there are many more links on-line and FB groups available for support. 


http://www.curetoothdecay.com/


Having completely remineralized my own son's teeth when he was 4 though elimination of gluten (a common culprit in these cases) and the use of natural remedies to add minerals, I can attest to the fact that it can be done. He never required a filling until he was 16 years old. He nursed past the age of 6. 


Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, USA & France
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC





Date:    Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:31:39 -0500
From:    Carrie Cohen <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: 1YO weaning recommendation due to cavities?

Hi all, I have permission to post and would love your recommendations and 
thoughts.  Here is the scenario: the mother writes: "{baby} turned one in 
November and has cavities so bad on her top four teeth that the first dentist 
she saw said the only option was to pull them:( the second dentist is a little 
more hopeful but said if she were his kid he'd ween her immediately. What is 
your opinion about that? I really don't want to wean her right now but also 
don't want to have her teeth pulled."  She is working on night weaning 
currently.  

When we spoke further she indicated that her dentist thought breastmilk would 
increase the rate of tooth decay.    My thoughts are that there may be other 
factors to look into right now, such as vit D and calcium levels, and that the 
benefits of breastfeeding might outweigh the risks of weaning right now, 
especially given that it is flu season...and that any milk--if it is a lactose 
issue leading to the decay, would potentially have the same issues- -whole milk 
would not provide any protection form dental caries and the method of feeding 
would be influential as well.  

I would love thought from folks that have more experience in this area than I 
do!  Thank you!

Carrie Cohen, MA, MS, IBCLC
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