5 year old and cavities

[pyrxtc]

my DS see's a regular dentist but for his cavities, we were sent to a pediatric dentist just to get them filled. They were all in his molars but even if they weren't, I would have them filled because I would not want to let them get so bad that they got infected right into the gums. they started at the dentist at age 2 and I love the office and staff. Only one hygienist that we didn't like so we ask not to have her but everything else is great. No rewards except for the new toothbrush, toothpaste, and pencil they get from the office for any of it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It sounds like you've gotten some good suggestions on getting them filled, or not.

The other issue is preventing further caries. Does your child floss? Plastic flossers to make it easier for kids to floss. They should floss at least once a day, preferably at night so food caught between teeth during the day is removed.

Also, a big source of cavities in children today are sports/energy drinks. People tend to think they're ok but the acid content is doing a number on enamel, especially if sipped slowly and teeth are bathed in the liquid continuously. There is really no need for young children to be drinking them, but a lot are, especially if there are older kids in the household who play sports. (Don't believe me, take a look in the trash cans at any sporting venue.) Better for teeth to stick with water.

 

[Bungle]

Flossing should have started a long time ago. Sorry but it is true. Dental work can be scary so I would take them to a dentist they feel comfortable at.

We take our kids to a regular dentist who just happens to be fantastic with little ones so I think it goes more by the dentist themselves than if they specialize in peds or not. Good luck

 

[MomRN]

I had a horrible experience with my son's last "pediatric dentist" It's actually a group of dentists. I started taking him there at 18 months and did fine until he was 5 and had sealants placed. He is already stubborn and anxious, and it was not a good experience. When I heard him screaming from the waiting room I asked to go back. When they said "We'll have to check to see if you can go back..." I demanded to go back. We did not go back there.

The new dentist is amazing. The office and staff are amazing. When ds (now 6) had a mouth full of canker sores and the pediatrician wasn't any help, the dentist called me himself to ask about what was going on and called in a couple of prescriptions.

It's about finding the right dentist, but I would avoid any chain pediatric dentists. When you have half a dozen different professionals working there, you never know who you will get.

 

[starshine514]

That's where DD's cavities are, between the molars so she will have them for a long time before they fall out so that is why the dentist wants to fill them.

At lunchtime I am going to make some calls to find a pediatric dentist and get their opinion. So far she likes the regular dentist but I'm not sure if they will be able to handle her as well as a pediatic dentist.

Good. I was going to recommend you have them filled. My oldest had a couple of cavities at age 3 that I didn't get filled...she ended up having an abscess on one and having to get a pulpectomy (sp?) and cap on the other, and then still ended up getting them both pulled six months later. Then, we had to get a spacer, which then interfered with her grown-up teeth coming in...it's been a bit of a nightmare. I wish I would have just had the cavities filled.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I had a horrible experience with my son's last "pediatric dentist" It's actually a group of dentists. I started taking him there at 18 months and did fine until he was 5 and had sealants placed. He is already stubborn and anxious, and it was not a good experience. When I heard him screaming from the waiting room I asked to go back. When they said "We'll have to check to see if you can go back..." I demanded to go back. We did not go back there.

I left two pediatric dentist practices under similar circumstances. I mean, I'd much rather be sitting in the waiting room sipping my coffee in peace and quiet, but if my child needs me there, I don't want to be told in a condescending manner that it's "better for my child" if I don't go back. I don't think so. It's better for you, maybe, but not for my child or me. I worked in a pediatric emergency room for years so I don't buy the "it's better for my child" line at all (unless the parent is a ball of anxiety and escalating the situation, which I'm not and don't).

We transferred care to a family/regular dentist and it's always been an excellent experience. The only time I've had to go in back was the first time my DD got a novocaine shot - I held her hand and then she was fine; she threw her iPod earbuds in and no problems afterward.

 

[momof1princess]

Pediatric dentist is the way to go, for sure. My 5 yo DS has 4 cavities between the teeth as well, despite a strict brushing / flossing routine and low sugar diet.

His dentist is AMAZING! Seriously, I wish I could go to him myself. He has a TV on the ceiling and the child can choose from a variety of shows. then he gets a pair of special sunglasses that he can keep afterwards, and chapstick.

DS gets a "clown nose" every time he goes, and he gets to choose from 4 flavors that it smells like for the gas. Then the dentist says things like "ok get ready, here comes the butterfly nibbles on your cheek," and "now I'm going to use my super power ranger tooth washer to get your teeth nice and clean! It's going to feel a little bumpy like someone's dancing on your tooth!" And let me tell you, he works FAST! Like, 10 mins for a filling between teeth.

When it's all done, DS gets to choose two things from the treasure chest. He has been twice already and needs to go 2 more times and actually says "Yay!" When I tell him were going to the dentist.

If you happen to live in Virginia, PM me and I'll pass his info to you.

this sounds like our dentist! we live in alabama, and DD15 has been going to a pediatric dentist since she was a preschooler. she LOVES going there, and we've never had any issues. our dentist is very calm and gentle, and has a very soothing voice. all the kids love him. DD15 has had 3-4 fillings over the years, and a couple of teeth pulled, and she prefers not to get the "happy air". she says that even when they put the scent/flavoring in the "clown nose", it still stinks.

 

[Nohal]

A pediatric dentist is the way to go. My DS had cavities between his teeth when he was the same age. He was very good about flossing and brushing his teeth. The dentist told me that the cavities weren't from anything he was doing wrong he was just prone to getting cavities there. He also had a baby root canal and a baby crown put on at the same age. The dentist was wonderful with both of my kids. They use the "clown" nose to give them gas and no needles were used. I was very nervouse about having any of this work done but it all turned out well and DS was never afraid to go to the dentist.

 

[clm10308]

We used a wonderful pediatric dentist for many years. My DD had some anxiety issues when she was around 7 and the regular dentist would not work on her.

The ped dentist that we picked came from a friends recommendation. She wasn't on our insurance but was worth every penny. My DD fell and broke some baby teach which led to having several fillings and one crown.
After several years, my DDwas able to transition to a regular dentist.

 

[burnurcomputer]

3 of my 4 go to a Ped. dentist. The smallest one will be a star (first visit) when they go next. I love my kids dentist so much that I would go and I have major anxiety about dental care. My Ped. dentist has raging ADHD and is amazing with those who are rutchy and don't so well with people having fingers in their mouths. When we go, parents are silent partners, you only speak when spoken to. You will be told to read the sign on the wall if you are trying to interject! The area doesn't have rooms they have divider between 2 of the chairs and the other chair is in the area where kids can play or ride the horse. (They have a full sized mechanicl horse to ride while you are waiting in the back). They dress as cowboys and the whole place is themed! The Dentists are a father son team and both are fantastic. my kids get very excitied to go! There is a plastic play structure with a slide in the main waiting room.....childrens paradise. Can you tell I really, really, really love it there????

A couple things to think about with the teeth that need filled.

1) Based on the size and location of the cavaties, does the dentist think *not* treating them might impact the adult tooth?

2) Is there a reason for the cavities? Spacing, low enamel, food getting caught, lots of gummy food or candy that is sticking to the inside of the teeth?

3) Are we talking teeth the are likely to fallout first or molars that might fall out later?

4) What kind of brush do you use and do you use an after brusing rinse?
(my dentist recs a spin brush and a rinse asn well as flossing when they are able to do it)



Just a few thoughts to spur the convrsation further with your current dentist!

 

[brenalexacamp]

I am a dental hygienist and ill give you my opinion. A child should see the dentist right around when a first tooth comes in. A pediatric dentist will have an infant room to do an exam. We mostly take a look, brush with a toothbrush, fluoride and counsel parents on home are and diet. No falling asleep with milk, breast milk, or grandparents supplying endless amounts of lollipops.
I've seen lots of kids 2-3 year olds come in to have their teeth counted and brushed with my spin brush. We floss and put on the tooth vitamins.
Lots of kids have cavities between the teeth. Look at all the junk they have. Even raisins, granola bars, cereal, cause cavities. How many of us brush twice a day and floss once a day for our kids? It should be happening.
Kids will have the molars and canines til around 12-13 years old. A cavity can spread to an adjacent tooth. It can get deeper. When it hurts it is already spreading infection through the bloodstream. Left untreated the infection can go to the brain. Unusual but it has happened.
Having a filling shouldn't be a punishment. Find a dentist that uses N2o. Sleepy air. It relaxes them, they still hear and can speak, cooperate. It's a silly nose. Play a tap your toes game. Child taps toes, dentist administers anesthesia. The cheek gets shaken a little. Of course the child always wins a prize for tapping fastest.
Mr. Bumpy is the drill, tickle the tooth clean, put a star on it.
Singing a song helps.
As far as parents in the room, I prefer it for hygiene visits. I can't show the parents where they need to be. The child now knows the parents know the same thing. All positive.
When seeing the dentist I think it's ok to walk back and get child settled. Sometimes kids cry through the whole procedure. It doesn't hurt. They just don't want to be there. When they get up they are skipping out the door!
Some kids won't play at home in their room. They have to see mom. There is no way that child is going to go into a room with a stranger and let them work in their mouth! You know your child best.
Never restrain a child, ever! There is always hospital dentistry. Child is put to sleep and all work done in a day.
You know your child best. Start early. Positive reinforcement. Use friendly terms, sleepy juice, give teeth a shower, I would never agree not being able to go back with a child. Please go back as a silent observer. Stand aside and allow the dentist and assistant to have control over the appointment, tell, show, do.

 

[shortbun]

I've had the topical anesthetic and it doesn't work well for me....the shot hurts like H E double L.

Yeah, don't lie to her about this. The topical didn't help me either. Novocaine shots hurt a lot. For a five year old, a little bribery is ok. I bribed my son a few times and he's very non-materialistic. I think regular bribery is a bad thing but for a health issue, it's called for. Also, read the post above me a couple of times. She's smart!!! I was wondering about gas for kids.

 

[almburr]

Our prior dentist put a clothes pin on DS ear lobe. I think he was around 6 and the cavity wasn't very deep. Dentist said they do that to a lot of the younger patients. I thought it was a little strange When we switched to current dentist I asked him about that, he said it was common to do that.