Q:
My 11-month-old daughter still nurses frequently throughout the night. Is this going to damage her teeth? I brush them twice daily with a baby tooth cleanser. Also, at what age can I start using fluoridated toothpaste? I breastfed my oldest daughter until she was 18 months old and so far her teeth are beautiful.
A:
If you are nurse at night I would suggest wiping your daughter's teeth with a damp cloth or small toothbrush. We did this with our own children and they didn't wake up.
I'm happy to hear that you're not using fluorinated toothpaste on your baby. Children this young swallow toothpaste, so they risk developing a condition called fluorosis, which is an unsightly stain on the permanent teeth that are forming. You should hold off using fluoride toothpaste until your daughter is at least 3 years of age or older—and only when she demonstrates that she can spit out her toothpaste rather than swallow it.
Gregory F. George D.D.S.
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.
