Infant Tooth Decay?

[Jenn Lynn]

In the last week I have noticed a couple of DD teeth have dark spots on them. These are fairly new teeth. The reading I have done on the internet indicate that this might be tooth decay. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I think I am going to call a pediatric dentist to see if I can get an appointment for her.

Thanks!

 

[PandyPaws]

I think it's a great idea to have her teeth checked if you have any question at all about what may be going on. DS had problems, very little enamel on his teeth. Too bad I didn't 'notice' it until he was about 15 months old, when he smacked his chin on something and bit his inner lip, making it bleed a little. When he cried and I first saw his teeth I flipped out, I thought they had cracked!! Turns out, the blood from his lip was trickling through crevices across his front teeth that really weren't visable otherwise A visit to the dentist proved the low enamel...the erosion of the teeth and a few cavities already He ended up getting the front teeth bonded, which lasted just under two years. At that time he needed surgery for a root canal and the fronts were capped, the only way to save them until they fell out for the grownup teeth.

 

[snoopy]

Is she still on a bottle? I know this is fairly common with kids who still drink from a bottle, or even more so, go to sleep with a bottle.

I nursed my kids, so we didn't have this problem, but I remember this happening with one of my nieces. She is older now, and her teeth are fine, so I'm not sure what they did about it. I'd talk to the pediatric dentist, see what they have to say.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

snoopy-no she is breastfed. She still nurses a couple of times a night though. However, we are in the process of nightweaning and weaning all together.

She gets VERY little sweets and no juice since it gives her diarrhea. I think i will take her in just for my own piece of mind!

 

[twinmomplus2]

My almost 9 year old son, Had this problem when he was 2 years old. He never took a bottle, was nursed. Hated Juice and once he stopped Nursing at 13 mts no milk either, all he drank was water. Well he got his 2 year molars Christmas eve we saw them erupting through his gums, as he had little blood spots there. On the 15th of January he went for his first dental checkup. and was diagnosed with a cavity on each molars surface. I argued and argued that the teeth had just erupted and were not even a month old. Ended up seeking a second opinion, and he indeed had the start of cavities, creating a dark or sticky area. We are not to this day sure why, I did have a difficult pregnancy and sometimes, I am told that can affect the forming tooth buds, And they feel the enamel could have been deficent on those teeth for whatever reason. I would urge you to get them looked at Asap, they have a liquid Substance I am not sure of the name anymore....Sorry.... That you can apply to the teeth by brushing on the surface. good Luck....

 

[yepod]

Our then 2 yo DD had cavities to the horror & shame of my DW LOL She was bottle fed but we felt we were avoiding all the classic problems.

We took her to a piediatric dentist who was very good & filled 4 (as I recall) cavities & then sealed them. She should be fine till she loses them. The dentist assured us this could not be helped, so don't feel let the guilt get to you.

The experience is more tramatic on the parents than the children (IMHO)! For the first visit they sedated her & strapped her down. We were not allowed to be in the room with her (for obvious reasons)! Just sit in the waiting room & maybe take a sedative or two yourself (JK) After the initial visit, she has been a real trooper ever since. She's not scared at all! It is hard to watch them on the sedation because they get sleepy (not passed out) & they have cotton mouth afterwards. It was rather pathetic to observe & we did feel so helpless.

Our pied dentist has a great office, staff & kid sized chairs & tools. I highly recommend this route for treatment. You just need to control yourself & be supportive of your little trooper!

Hope this helps & good luck.

 

[twinmomplus2]

I switched Dentists when my 2 year old had his cavaties dilemma. You should always be allowed to remain with the child while the work is being done. You should not be excluded. as for the gas I would view that as a last resort, totally. My son was 2 and wild as hell. The first dentist was going to Strap him to a papoose board, Give him the gas, and I was to sit in the waiting room, I refused to sign the consent and I left. My new dentist, WONDERFUL........no papoose board may son sat on my lap, they gave him a novacain, no gas, and he was wonderful. he had 13 teeth filled before he was 6 and never a problem. Find a dentist who's methods you are comfortable with,,,, no matter what that level is......