In a message dated 2/7/01 11:53:26 AM Pacific Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << Hi all, I have a baby in my practice who is getting ready to have 5 dental carries repaired under general anesthesia. His mother called saying the dentist said it was caused by nursing all night in the lying down position. This toddler was breastfed for 15 months(now 18 months old) and never had a bottle. The dentist stated to the mother that all babies should be weaned by 12 months to help prevent this problem. Can any of you comment on having seen this in your practice or way to handle the dentist's comment? Thanks Crystal Stearns RNC, MS, IBCLC Mercy Memorial Health Center Ardmore, OK 73401 >> :::::coming out of lurkdom:::: I am VERY interested in any comments on this subject too. I have a good friend who recently had major dental work done on her son (19 months old). She was told that the ADA says that a child should not nurse for more than 12 months. Is this true? If so, that is very disappointing! She night weaned her son for fear that she is contributing to her son's dental problems, but knows that continuing to nurse during the day will not harm his teeth. She is also very diligent about cleaning his teeth frequently throughout the day. When the dentist was working on her son's teeth, she told mom that her son has very thin enamel. Just think what her son's teeth would be like with a bottle at night! Ugh! Warmly, Angela Marler LLLL in Southern California *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html