dentist/tooth decay

st.augbride

When did you first bring your toddler to the dentist and how did it go? I just noticed what I'm pretty sure is tooth decay on the top of ds's front two teeth and I feel so sad about it. I'm also not surprised because he has terrible eating issues (needs pediasure which is high in sugar and was on bottle until 18 months due to poor feeding skills), reflux, and despite many types of toothbrushes, pastes, songs and creative efforts, he only recently started letting us really brush his teeth well (he has sensory issues). I'm just so worried that this is going to be bad and only hope he's ok : (

Cherryblossoms07

DD started going at 18 months and has always done great.  She hops up on the chair with no reservations.

DD started going at 12 months.  He has only had one appointment and he cried a little bit.  Both see a pediatric dentist.  

vindaloo

We just had DS's 24 month checkup, and the pediatrician advised us to take him to the dentist between now and age 3, no rush. But we already brush his teeth twice a day and they look pretty good. If you see signs of decay I'd definitely go soon!

diana.filipi

DD went at 16m and DS began at 13 m.  It's gone really well each time.  I was SO glad we didn't wait 'till 3 years like other people seem to do.  At DD's first appointment all was well but at her 2nd appointment, even though we thought we were doing a great job, she had plaque buildup!  I would never have known since we thought we were doing well and her teeth looked lovely.  She had her first xrays at her last appointment at a little over 3yr.  She'll get her first bitewings (in the back of the mouth) at her next appointment in October probably.  We see a pediatric dentist.

MrsWindyCity

DS started going at 1 per the recs. He's never been a big fan but I just see it as a necessity, much like going to the pedi (which he also hated till pretty recently). He has another appointment on Tuesday and I feel like he might do better this time around based on our conversations, but who knows. I thought that 6 months ago too. :P I'm definitely glad we went early and have gone often, because we've learned things and also had to do some preventive care we wouldn't have known about (DS has weak enamel).

honeybee111

DD's first appt. was at 2 years.  Our dentist said we didn't need to bring her in earlier unless we suspected a problem.  I had to sit in the chair and hold her on my lap, and she screamed the entire time, so they only counted her teeth and checked spacing.  Second appt. went so much better.  By then, she wanted to be a "big girl", so she sat in the chair by herself, opened her mouth, etc.  They were able to get a full polishing and flossing in.  My consistent reminding her of the dentist's "treasure box" if she was good helped, too.

rnbeth477

We've been twice for DS1 - once at 12 months and once at 2. He will go again at 3. Both times he's done great. The dentist just looked at his teeth. They said starting at 3 they attempt xrays and cleaning. We'll see how that goes...

smiling76

That same thing happened to DS1--he was about 2.5 when I noticed decay in his front teeth--we went to a pedi dentist right away and found out he not only had those 2 cavities--but like 10 more!  I was beyond shocked.  The dentist told us it's not necessarily anything we are or aren't doing--but genetics and a lot of issues. 

SOOOOOOOOOOO we had to make this horrible decision to move forward and have him put under with anesthesia so they could fix all the cavities and also put a sealant on to help protect them.  Our insurance sucked--so we had to pay about $8K out of pocket.  That was about 2 weeks prior to me giving birth to DS2, so I was a nervous wreck about it all.  BUT it all turned out well and we've been very careful with this teeth and immediately got him off the bottle (that was the one thing we struggled with and that really opened our eyes).

So yes--get to a pediatric dentist RIGHT AWAY.

 

st.augbride

smiling76:

That same thing happened to DS1--he was about 2.5 when I noticed decay in his front teeth--we went to a pedi dentist right away and found out he not only had those 2 cavities--but like 10 more!  I was beyond shocked.  The dentist told us it's not necessarily anything we are or aren't doing--but genetics and a lot of issues. 

SOOOOOOOOOOO we had to make this horrible decision to move forward and have him put under with anesthesia so they could fix all the cavities and also put a sealant on to help protect them.  Our insurance sucked--so we had to pay about $8K out of pocket.  That was about 2 weeks prior to me giving birth to DS2, so I was a nervous wreck about it all.  BUT it all turned out well and we've been very careful with this teeth and immediately got him off the bottle (that was the one thing we struggled with and that really opened our eyes).

So yes--get to a pediatric dentist RIGHT AWAY.

 

Thanks, this is what I'm mentally preparing for. Appt in 2 weeks...