my 3 year old refuses to eat solid food after he experienced toothache what can i do to start him eating again

Question

he was never a big eater but he used to eat noodles, fries, cookies and chocolates. he was 2 1/2 yr old when he stopped eating solid food completely due to toothache and 2 of his teeth were extracted because of this but he never ate solid food after.
he is 3 years old now and I NEED YOUR HELP.
I believe it is more a psychological problem more than anything else.

Answer 1

See a doctor

Answer 2

Nutritionally, noodles, fries, cookies and chocolates are JUNK!! So stop trying to serve him that garbage.

Cook things a little softer at first - a pressure cooker would be great for this, as it retains nutrients. Only serve what you want him to eat and cut back on liquids other than water. When first staring you might want to give him one PediaSure a day so he's getting vitamins -- but don't use it as a meal replacement, use it as a supplement only (like a mid-afternoon snack after his nap). When he's hungry enough, he'll eat. Then gradually cook the foods to a more firm texture so he doesn't notice too much difference.

The suggestion to use toothbrushing as a way to reinforce him is good, too. Remind him as you brush that it makes his teeth stronger, so he won't have to go through that again. Brush his teeth after every meal so he gets into that habit. Talk to him now about baby teeth and grown-up teeth so when they start to fall out in a few years he won't freak out again. Just let him know that keeping the baby teeth clean and strong helps his grown-up teeth get stronger- don't talk about the baby teeth falling out just yet, wait until he seems to be over the tooth extraction, or if you see an older child with a missing tooth then answer his questions in a matter-of-fact manner but don't elaborate.

As with all discipline, the key is sticking with it -- let him pitch a fit. He's 3 and you're the parent. if you start a pattern of letting him manipulate you now, it will only get worse over time. Be consistent with all your discipline or else it doesn't work. Children can't express it, but they do want limits, they do want to know what to expect from you, and to have a sense that you are in control.

Also be generous with your love, affection and positive reinforcement. But be sincere, too -- kids know when you're forcing it. A NON-food reward system, like a sticker chart and when he has eaten ten full meals he gets to rent a video or something like that.

Answer 3

Sorry, he's 3 and he hasn't eaten real food since he was 2 1/2? That means six months of no food? What the hell happened?

I don't mean, "Aw, he had a toothache," I mean, what the hell have you, as a parent, been doing for the past six months?

Here's what you do: you put a cheese sandwich and an apple, or a bowl of spaghetti, whatever, on the table. You leave it there until your kid gets hungry. You don't give him any other food, because he's got perfectly good food there. No kid is gonna starve himself to death. Seriously.

This is what you should have done six months ago!

Answer 4

if you look at the list of food he was eating it should explain why he needed a tooth extraction you didnt list a single food with much nutritional value if he isnt eating solid food then what is he eating? whatever it may be, quit giving it to him and only give him solid food and stick to things thaat are good for him he will get hungry and he will eat a child will not srarve themselves to death or anywhere close if he isnt a big eater then make sure what he does eat is good for him as his growing body needs those nutrients
just to be sure i would take him to the dentist to be sure the rest of his teeth continue to be in good condition and if it truly is psychological then you need to stick with the plan until he gets really hungry and does eat you need to be more stubborn than he is and only give him water to drink as anything else has calories and / or sugar that will only make matters worse good luck and be strong

Answer 5

yes it sounds like it is a psychological problem. So see a Dentist or Doc. but before you do try to make only hes favourite foods ,spaghetti's,hamburgers etc. if you really think about it most foods are soft anyway. Veggies and Salads,Meat is a little tougher. If he does not eat,don't worry,kids only eat when they are hungry. I had two of them and my Doc. told me they eat when the hungry and our grandson is the same and he is four. So keep a watch full eye on him and make sure no sweets, he only gets them after he eat nicely. Dont buy junk food.

Answer 6

Bribe him. Draw a chart on some big paper and put stickers on it every time he eats solid food. Start with small goals and then increase them through the week. Ask him what he really wants for a present, then offer it for a certain number of stickers.

Answer 7

A 3 year old with a tooth extraction!!! OMG chocolate cookies maybe that is the prob... That would be psychological trauma to me...Do you like your teeth being pulled....I don't...Show him how to eat healthy maybe get some flouride to help strengthen his teeth show him the proper way to brush and tell him this will prevent the dentist in the future...If he eats sweets tell him he should brush his teeth....Lead by example...

Answer 8

Start giving him food that he has always liked. Start with them cut into small pieces or try being creative on how to serve it to him, i.e. making happy faces on his plate with cut pieces of food. Once he's started with the small pieces, gradually give him the bigger pieces. Once he feels comfortable, he will go back to eating solid foods before you know it.

Answer 9

first off a child that young shouldnt have toothaches. try brushing his teeth twice a day every day. its a wonder you werent turned in to dss. you are either to young to be a parent or just plain unfit. this is abuse. quit gvivng your child sweets. try fresh fruit and veggies for snacks. your poor child is going to have dental problems all his life. start with soft foods like soups and applesauce. try feeding him baby food even

Answer 10

First, if he is still growing taller than he is just fine being a picky eater. my daughter never eats but always manages to get bigger. Next, I would get a different dentist opinion. Maybe his teeth are still hurting. If you think that he needs more calories, give him pedia drinks with extra calories.