Toddler Tooth Decay Repeating... Why?

Updated on December 09, 2010
K.P. asks from Munfordville, KY
11 answers

When my daughter was 2 she has some cavities in her front teeth, pediatric dentist assured us they had to be fixed to make sure her permanent teeth would not be harmed, we went through the whole experience of GA (general anesthesia) and within an hour or so her teeth were fixed, meaning they capped the damaged teeth and put bonding on them to protect them from further damage. GREAT DEAL, WE WERE HAPPY. the cause at the time was linked to night nursing, but we stopped that even before her surgery to fix her cavities... now she's almost 4 and the teeth that were capped and bonded before are decaying and the dentist says she has to have the whole procedure done again.... why does this happen? how does it happen?

i'm told that they can try to use nitrous on my daughter and fix the teeth, but i'm not sure how my almost 4 yr old will do... does anyone know what they do when they use nitrous? is this dangerous to the child? is this a better option than the GA other than the fact that its $10,000 cheaper? I just want her teeth fixed and not decaying or having cavities.

2 moms found this helpful

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H.B.

answers from Modesto on

I'm not a pro, but I think the nitrous will be safer than GA myself. Why she's getting cavities I do not know. It's usually linked to a hight fever or too many antibiotics or too much sugar and not brushing or at least rinsing her teef at night before bedtime.

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D.G.

answers from Chattanooga on

either your dentist is bloody insane, you need to brush your kids teeth better or there is some other problem. No child at 2 much less 4 should be having teeth capped and bonded

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J.

answers from Louisville on

Unconventional but here goes. Teeth are a living structure just like your bones. Nutritional deficiencies, food allergies and a number of other things can cause decay. For a lot of good information on healing without drilling, check out this site - www.curetoothdecay.com Good luck. It's no fun at all to have a little one in the dentist chair!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.X.

answers from Chicago on

perhaps they did a bad job the first time

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

Dry mouth or vitamin deficiency can cause this. Also too much juice, candy or sugar.

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R.C.

answers from Boston on

I'm so sorry your daughter is having this difficulty. I think a second opinion is a great idea. You also asked why is this happening. Genetics often play a part. But there is one thing you might wish to monitor. Is she drinking through a sippy cup or straw (in juice box)? I know of children who had lots of repeat cavities and their dentists suggested that sipping on milk or juice throughout the day deposited sugars on the teeth all day long. Wishing you the very best.

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M.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Get a second opinion. Does she have abscesses or pain? Those teeth should start to get loose in the next two years, I would question the necessity with the dentist. Is it noticeable from a cosmetic perspective? Ask what the risk of waiting is. If there is infection present, you can't ignore it! Ask for some MI paste which helps remineralize teeth. It won't fix a cavity, but it can help strenthen weak spots. Are u in a fluoridated area? You may need some prescription fluoride paste if she is genetically susceptible. Also, it's a pain, but try to get in the habit of flossing her teeth
with flossers. Hope you get some answers from the dentist! Ask the dentist if he could use a light in office sedative with nitrous so she doesn't have to be put under if she doesn't have to!

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B.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

I just wanted to let you know that as I child, and even and adult, I have always had bad teeth. At a young age, I had to have some oral surgery and I was given nitrous at a pediatric dentist. All I remember was the "elephant ears" (remember, pediatric dentist) being put on my nose. No horror stories. HOpe that helps.

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J.F.

answers from Nashville on

I would definitely get a second opinion. My son had a small cavity on his front tooth when he was 2. I took him to the dentist and they treated it with flouride, we started using flouride toothpaste, and I am adamant about brushing twice a day. We take him to the dentist every 6 months and the dentist keeps saying that is is ok to just watch it. It has not gotten worse, it is not noticeable, and, most importantly, it causes no pain to my son. Our dentist said only if he is in pain, would he recommend doing something about this cavity. The tooth is going to fall out eventually. In addition, our dentist assured us that a cavity in a baby tooth will NOT affect the permanent teeth. I would definitely ask someone else. Some dentists over-treat.

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D.H.

answers from Louisville on

Is your dentist in your area there? Seems odd to have it start when the work was done before - was wondering if another dentist should be consulted.

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B.B.

answers from Dallas on

Part of the decay frequency, could be genetic.

Does she eat much refined sugar? This can be baked goods, candy, juice, simple carbs (white pastas, white breads...anything with refined flour.), most jarred, boxed, already cooked foods are high in sugar. Does she eat home cooked meals, or eat TV dinners and foods out of the box, or can? Processed foods always have added sugars in them. It might be time, to go through a big diet change.

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