how do they handle cavities in toddlers?

perry7285 · May 2012

i'm debating whether to take DS to the dentist or just put it off for another year or two. i really doubt the dental exam would go well and our pedi thinks it's okay to wait. but i'm wondering . . . what happens if he gets a cavity? how on earth do you fill a cavity in a toddler? i'd be curious to hear any experiences; if it is a disaster to deal with a cavity that might sway me towards being more cautious with dental stuff. TIA for any thoughts.

brideinOC · May 2012

I waited until Claire was three. Someone I know just had their child's cavity filled, but for the life of me, I can't remember who or how it was handled. Our ped said anytime after 2.

JillRock96 · May 2012

We just took Ava last month. Our pedi said three, and her new dentist recommends 3 as well (unless you notice a problem). It went really well, and her teeth looked great (which was a huge relief because we are not as vigilant as we should be with brushing).

I know that my little sister had to have major dental work when she was three -- but she was still on a bottle at that point and was going to bed with it as well. I don't remember much, but I do know they used a good amount of medication to relax her before hand.

amberleeb · May 2012

Unless you notice a problem I would wait until he is at least 2 to take him. Usually in kids that are really young or uncopperative you have to use sedation to fill a cavity.

dusk42 · May 2012

They sometimes have to use general anesthesia - I know I've read that about fixing teeth for bottle-mouth cavities.

It's super cheap to add DD to DH's dental insurance, so we did that and she goes every 6 months. They clean her teeth a little, give her a fluoride treatment, and the dentist checks them out. They had us start using those little flossers after the last appointment because two of her teeth touch and had some plaque. She's gone twice now, and she was a little apprehensive the first time and fine the second. She sits in our laps and leans her head back into the dentist/hygienist's lap, so it's not scary for her. They also have lots of good toys (it's a pediatric dentist). We have well water that is low on fluoride (we give her a supplement), so I worry about cavities. Luckily she loves having her teeth brushed and flossed.

superned · May 2012

My dentist says three, but they told me I could bring DD to my regular cleaning appointments just to get her the experience of seeing me have my teeth cleaned, to sit in the chair, and to meet the dentist.

I've done it once so far (last month) and will try to bring her next time too (though LO#2 will be about a month old at that point, so I may just need the time alone!).

DH came and sat with DD and she was very curious, but when she sat in the chair, she pretty much refused to open her mouth. But, we still talk about the dentist sometimes, so hopefully next time we'll take some steps forward!

Mom2Reese · May 2012

I waited until Reese was 3 1/2 - and waited too long. She had a cavity and it needed to be filled quickly. Turns out it was too deep and almost to the nerve so she had to have a crown. so, several appts, $2000 later and under complete sedation, she has a silver crown in the back of the mouth. During that she also had 2 other small cavities filled and sealants put on the rest of her molars. We were pretty adamant about brushing before all that and even more so now. Dentist said her teeth have deep crevices and are cavity prone. Great!! She's gone back since for a regular cleaning and did very well with no additional cavities!

eriness` · May 2012

We started taking DS1 when he was 1.5, and he went again at 2.5, now he goes every 6 months. He's not thrilled, but it's a good healthy start!

With DS2, our pediatrician asked us at our 1 yr well check if we planned on taking him anytime soon, as the AAP recomends going earlier now. I found this link on their website.

RoxBride · May 2012

DD went at 1 1/2 at the advice of her pedi, and did fine. She enjoys the dentist and is old hat now. She goes every 6 months and gets a check, flouride treatment, and as much cleaning as they allow, which she has so far cooperated with.

My pedi recommends a pediatric dentist, because much has changed in how they handle teeth and kids. Our pedi dentist will not hesitate to use laughing gas or sedation as needed to treat cavities, since one bad dental visit can set a child up for a life time of dentist fear.

regenab · May 2012

We went the first time right after their 3rd birthday. One didn't let them do much, she spit the bite wing things across the room at them and took off running (no xrays that time). She wouldn't let them clean her either. The dentist did get to look at her teeth, but that was all she would let them do. The second time she went again, she would't let them clean her or do xrays but the dentist got a really good look and told me some areas I needed to concentrate on because she had some brown spots on her back molars. My other twin is a dream at the dentist. She let them do xrays the very first time at age 3, let the hygentist do the cleaning and floss her. She also let the dentist look and count her teeth.

They told me not to sweat it with the difficult twin, she will start to get better at the visits as she gets older and comes in regularly. They are hoping at the next visit (once they turn 4) she will let them at least do a cleaning. I do the best I can at home with brushing and flossing them (I let them start the flossing and I finish).

My BFF's daughter had to have 2 cavities filled at age 3 (she had major GI issues from birth and due to the meds and the amount of juice the GI doc wanted her to drink everyday her teeth are suffering, but it is better than having her become intestinally blocked and need surgery). They gave her Nitrious Oxide (laughing gas) to calm her through the procedure, but never had to put her under.

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