Because he felt the frequency of nursing was a factor, Dr. Hale asked whether I could group breastfeeding sessions together. I'm sure Dr. Hale didn't realize the practical impossibility of this since he had never breastfed! With a clear understanding that William was going to continue to nurse on demand day and night, Dr. Hale suggested a routine in which we would try to keep his teeth immaculately clean, wipe them with a cloth after every breastfeeding, brush his teeth three to four times a day, and apply a small amount of topical fluoride (being sure to wipe off the excess fluoride). Upon hearing this I immediately felt relief. This was a solution that would allow us to continue breastfeeding as much as we needed to and have healthy teeth for William as well. Fear followed right behind. The proposed "program" sounded like far too much work. With two children and a busy schedule, would we be able to fit this in as well? William screamed through the once-a-day brushings I was already doing. But I was determined not to have William experience any more trauma from having more cavities filled. Since I was also very upset during those fillings, I did not want to go through it again either.
So we started on this experimental program—wake up, brush his teeth, apply topical fluoride, nurse throughout the day, keep a dry cloth handy, wipe his teeth after every nursing (which he didn't like), go to sleep, nurse at night. I must confess that I did not wake up at night to wipe his teeth with the dry cloth. Other mothers who may have more stamina than I, go to it! But one of the reasons William is in bed with us is so he can nurse and I don't even have to wake up.
We continued this routine for three months, had a checkup and no cavities. Then another three-month checkup and no cavities. Six months with no cavities! Both Dr. Hale and I were so happy it was as if we had won the lottery! Everyone in the office was happy for us, and even William managed a smile.
I am convinced that honest communication in which values were mutually respected made it possible to arrive at a solution. We were successful beyond my wildest dreams, and I can only hope our story helps other families in similar situations. While the solution or technique to resolve dental caries may not be the same in every situation, communication that respects everyone's values is an essential ingredient in the resolution process.