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I nursed the oldest but there was almost 4 years between her and the middle so I didn't have this problem then. I nursed DD4 until she was 18 months. Her last nursing was September 11, 2010. 4 months later I was pregnant with DD22 months. I'm still nursing her (only 2 or 3 times a day). So I've basically been lactating for 4 years (holy crap!). I had the normal hormonal tooth/gum issues while pregnant. But since having DD4 my teeth and gums have not been the same. And I'm very good about brushing and flossing. I think it's because of the breast feeding and hormones and loss of calcium.

Anyone have this issue?

I had a weird gum issue right after my first child was born... Definitely ask your dentist, mine assured me that my problem was pregnancy hormones. (Maybe breastfeeding hormones?)

I bf for 2 years and other than the gum issue that happened within the first 2 mos., I did not have any other problems.

[This message edited by Gottagetthrough at 1:25 PM, July 20th (Saturday)]

I've asked and got the, "could be," answer. I guess the one way to find out is when I stop nursing and see what happens.

I was an extended nurser by far greater margin than you, but did not experience tooth/gum issues. I felt great the whole time---nursing keeps the relaxin from pregnancy around,which is great for those of us with joint issues. I can see how it might affect dentition, though.

Sorry you're having trouble.

I didn't notice anything different either, but then I wouldn't have made the connection, especially since the last years of my nursing experience were coupled with the stress of d-day. I blamed most things on that or the ADs.

Prior to that I had nursed DS longer than you mentioned and didn't have dental issues. Perhaps you can look into foods that promote dental health? I know some claim cavities can be cured through nutrition and supplements. I don't know how true that is, but surely your nutrition can affect your overall dental health.

Are you taking vitamins or calcium supplements? My dr recommended staying on prenatal vitamins until my son weaned. He self-weaned earlier this year, about 1 month after his 3rd b-day. I never had any tooth/gum issues.

I'll admit that I'm bad at taking vitamins. I should set an alarm on my phone. It was surprising that it happened because I have always been good with my dental hygiene and never had issues. I read one of those "things they don't tell you about breast feeding" lists and gum issues was one of them. DD22 months has slowed down over the last few months but still points at my boobs and says, "this this this." I'm letting her wean herself but i might not have teeth by the time I'm done.

[This message edited by TattoodChinaDoll at 6:12 PM, July 20th (Saturday)]

I nursed my three for seven years all together, including five years straight (through the 2nd pregnancy). Never had tooth problems. Any other wierd symptoms going on, perhaps that you are attributing to being tired etc? Thyroid issues often pop up after pregnancy, but so can lots of other things. I'd have a check in with a doc to make sure everything is good.

Nothing I can't think of a reason for. Maybe it's not the breast feeding and just a change in my body after having kids. It's a sucky change though! Last year I had a problem tooth that just wouldn't stop hurting and I told the dentist to just pull the sucker. Luckily it was wayyyyyy in the back.

I had two children, a break and then two very close together. I was still breast feeding when I became pregnant with the last. My OB cautioned me about calcium and other vitamins ad minerals. Take your prenatals. And be extra cautious with your mouth hygiene while you are catching up.

I nursed 4-5 years between the two kids and did not have unusual teeth or gum issues. I did keep taking my prenatal vitamins throughout.

I think the key here is that I'm vitaminally (made up my own word) irresponsible. I was taking the prenatals for awhile after youngest DD was born. Can't really say I remember when I might have stopped. I was taking them when I got pregnant in January. But I do know the prenatals were a big trigger after the miscarriage and I threw them away because I couldn't look at them. I honestly can't say I remember how long after DD4 was born I took vitamins. Well...going to program in that daily reminder on my phone to take my multivitamin!

ETA: You know what is really dumb? I give the dog her medicine once in the morning and once in the evening. And her medicine is in the same place as my bottle of multivitamins. You'd think I'd just take it at the same time.

[This message edited by TattoodChinaDoll at 12:48 AM, July 21st (Sunday)]

The vitamins may be the culprit. Baby #1 got rashes whenever I ate dairy, so I stopped completely. (I gave up ice cream for that child!!!) I preemptively didn't ingest dairy for baby #2.

As a nutritionist I know there is a big connection between teeth and gum health and diet. If you can't eat dairy, there are many other sources of calcium like green leafy vegetables and almonds. A lack of vitamin c leads to bleeding gums. Raw red pepper slices are my fav way of getting C. All sodas are a nightmare for dental health. Processed food are generally detrimental. CoQ10 is often used for bleeding gums too.

If taking a pill vitamin triggers you then switch to powders or liquid and I don't mean ensure or cheap drugstore brands. Go to a health food store, or Pure Encapsulations online, or better yet see a nutritionist for an individualized plan.

Every cell in your body is made up of what you have eaten.

As a 59 year old, former breast feeding mother of two hungry boys with osteoporosis who is lactose intolerant/allergic to milk, I am pleading with you,

SUPPLEMENTS

You have no idea how I wish I had been more proactive at your age...

And, no idea if it has any scientific usefulness, my teeth during pregnancy were great. I brushed only with table salt-couldn't stand the taste of toothpaste. One hygienist said the salt made all the difference. She may have been full of malarkey.

But take those vitamins!!!

When I went to the dentist on Saturday the hygienist was talking with a girl who works there that I guess is going to school to become one or a dentist. She was showing her my X-rays because the girl was asking about the bones. The hygienist was starting to tell me that she saw some bone loss and did I know about it when the dentist came in. It was never mentioned again. I was wondering about the nursing and tooth stuff because I don't go out of my way to drink milk. And my vitamin intake is always on and off (I did take them everyday during pregnancy and awhile after). I wondered if all my calcium was just going into my breast milk and affecting my teeth besides the hormone stuff.

I have remembered to take my vitamins yesterday and today!

TCD I wasn't able to breast feed, and I still developed cavities after my second kid. I was cavity free until then.
They said it's very common, as your body will take if from where it needs it to feed the baby.
I would make sure you follow up with a phone call to the dentist, and mention it to your PCP. In the meantime start taking Calcium with Vitamin D, esp since you don't drink much milk. Bone loss and osteoporosis sucks when your older.

Life leeches those kids are.

TCD -

That was basically the response I had when I was at the Dentist, and they were all

Yep. I've got to have a root canal. Talk to your dentist. They have prescription toothpaste and mouthwash they can give you to make your teeth stronger and if you can get your doctor to check all your vitamin and mineral levels you might need larger than normal supplements. I never even thought of it until I mentioned the root canal to the regular doc and he gave me a bloodwork slip with 57 boxes checked off...