Hi Fellow Lactnetters!

I need HELP!  I just got back home from an OB orientation at the Andersen
Air Force Base Clinic here on Guam and did I ever get my ears full!  A
dental technician from the base dental clinic came to speak to all the
pregnant women about dental caries and babies.  She recommended that
babies be weaned from the bottle at no later than 12 months to help avoid
baby bottle mouth (bottle rot).  I have no problem with this statement as
during bottle feeding, formula tends to pool in the mouth which can lead
to excessive exposure of the corn syrup in formula on tooth surfaces
which eventually could lead to decay.  Here comes the good part!  She
also recommends, strongly I might add, that babies also be weaned from
the breast at 12 months.  I asked for her reasoning and she said that
breast milk contains a much higher sugar content than regular cow's
milk.  I also asked her for her references on weaning recommendations
since the AAP still recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years.  Anyway, she
told me that she would fax the pediactric dentist from her last base to
get the references.  Here is what I need.  Does anyone out there know of
any references regarding breastfed babies and dental caries or of an
article outlining the reasoning of weaning a baby from the breast at 12
months.  I would LOVE to educate this individual, tactfully of course.

TIA

Mandy Biles, B.S., M.S., LLLL in Guam and mom to two girls and one on the
way!