Kids and the dentist ....?

Question

Who thinks thats parents/carers should be to blame for small kids rotten teeth . I know 2 kids both under 8 who had to have all teeth removed as they were all rotten . Who`s to blame ? It angers me to see children with bad teeth .... I mean small kids maybe 8 & under , the dentist reckons kids 8+ are able to clean their own teeth satisfactoraly . Don`t get me wrong even my kids have a filling but i mean really bad teeth and small kids need someone to keep them right and even help with brushing .I know this will opena can of worms as someone will mention may mention junk food etc but no matter what u eat as long as the teeth are brushed properly 2-3 times daily they should remain strong healthy teeth .

If you agree , what should be done here ?

Colleen , i do not mean to offend and i`m not getting down to the nitty gritty with it i know there can be other factors but i am talking about sheer neglect on the parents part .... sorry if i upset u

Answer 1

CHILDREN REQUIRING DENTAL EXTRACTIONSWITHOUT A MEDICAL EXPLINATION FORTHAT EXTEND OF TOOTH DECAY HAVE SUFFERED NEGLECT AT THE HANDS OF PARENTS OR CAREGIVERS WHO EITHER DO NOT KNOW HOW TO OR HAVE NOT SPENT ADEQUATE TIME CARING FOR THE CHILDS TEETH.
EXTENDED USE OF A BOTTLE OR BREAST TO GET A BABY TO SLEEP (EXTENDED GENERALLY MEANS OVER 1 YEAR) CAN CAUSE TOOTHE DECAY DUE TO SUGARRY LIQUID BATHING THE TEETH. ALSO FRUIT JUICES ie APPLE, PINAPPLE, ORANGE JUICE SHOULD ONLY BE GIVEN WITH MEALS AND TRY TO LIMIT TO 1-2 TIMES A DAY, FRUIT HAS NATURAL SUGARS THAT ROT TEETH SO SNACKS SHOULD ONLY BE 1-2 TIMES A DAY. eATING AND DRINKING SUGAR RICH FOODS SHOULD BE DONE IN ONE HIT, THE TODDLER WHO SUCKS HIS DILUTED JUICE AND EATS HIS APPLE OR RASINS WHILST PLAYING OVER AN HOUR LONG PERIOD IS BATHING HIS TEETH IN THOSE SUGARS AND NOT ALLOWING THE MOUTHS NATURAL Ph DEFENCES TO KICK IN. bRUSHING SHOULD BE NO MORE THAN 2 TIMES DAILY AS BRUSHING CAN ERODE ENAMEL AND BRUSHING SHOULD NOT BE DONE IMMEDIATELY AFTER EATING BECAUSE IT INTERFEERS WITH NATURAL Ph BALANCE. CHILDREN UPTO AND EVEN ABOVE 8 YEARS WILL REQUIRE HELP WITH BRUSHING, CHILDREN SHOULD SEE A DENTIST 6 MONTHLY FOR CHECK UPS. OK I'M CLIMBING DOWN OF THE SOAP BOX, IT IS DEFINATELY SOMETHING THAT ALSO MAKES ME ANGRY BECAUSE IT IS PREVENTABLE...........THAT IS WHY IT IS CHILD ABUSE AS A RESULT OF NEGLECT AND DENTISTS ARE HOPEFULLY REFERING THESE CHILDREN TO SOCIAL SERVICES FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. gREAT QUESTION !!!

Answer 2

Going to the Dentist is not always the most fun and can be scary for a child. I would wait until appr. age three. Coming sooner may be overwhelming and may start dental experiences on the wrong note. At three they are mature enough to understand and follow simple directions. Bring them to your dentist or a pediatric dentist if that makes you more comfortable. At an early age don't force it , just go with the flow. If they are hesitant try it out, then try again in six months. If you make it a routine your child will have plea sent dental visits. With fluoride and proper diet children are getting less tooth decay. Make sure your child brushes there teeth after breakfast, dinner, and before bedtime if they have had another snack. Your doctor should suggest sealants or modified restorations for their molars between six and eight, these are great preventors of tooth decay. If you have a positive attitude about the dentist so will they. Good luck!

Answer 3

Dentists can determine by the nature of the problem on whether parental neglect of oral hygiene education is at fault for rotten teeth. They can also tell if the child has a genetic abnormality which causes the teeth to be weaker than normal. They can also tell if the nature of the tooth problem is due to decalcification. They can also tell if antibiotics are to blame. Each problem creates different symptoms and different issues within the teeth and gums. Any experienced dentist can tell the difference.

Brushing and flossing every day is a must. Parents that fail to teach and enforce this should be held responsible for their children's excessively rotten teeth. Now, there's a difference between needing a filling, and needing endodontial work, periodontal work, crowns, etc at a young age due to decay. Cavities happen.

Trauma to the teeth are another story. My two front teeth required endodontal work and crowns after they were broken when I was tripped at a skating rink. These things happen and are at no direct fault of the parent. We can't entirely shelter children away from ever damaging their teeth.

What you eat has little bearing on your teeth as long as you brush, floss, and get in for regular cleanings.

Answer 4

There are the obvious cases where medical factors take over and I know you are talking entirely about cases that can be avoided. Of course tha parents/carers have to be responsible to oversee that the teeth are brushed properly. I think even 8 is quite young to stop supervision. My eldest is 7 and it is about a 60/40 split when I brush them and he brushes himself. If he got a cavity then I would blame myself. He obviously has to learn to do it himself and practice makes perfect, but until the day he can brush and then take a disclosing tablet that shows up no remaining plaque then I will continue on as I do.

Answer 5

I completely understand where you are coming from. I know someone who allowed her son to walk around with his teeth decaying for months before doing anything about it, and of course he was also in pain. There was no excuse at all for it because we are military stationed overseas and get free dental care, and it's good quality care. One thing I hear from a lot of people is that it's okay for their kids' baby teeth to decay since they will fall out anyway, but this is totally unacceptable. Healthy baby teeth make for healthy adult teeth. I think parents are just lazy and wrapped up in other things. Even people who can't afford dental care can still afford a tooth brush and tooth paste, and most communities have some sort of assistance when it comes to providing dental care.

Answer 6

Parents are totally to blame here. I used to work for NHS direct, and most people I spoke to had never taken their kids to the dentist. The excuses were "he's only four" or "well I'm scared of the dentist, so I'm not taking her". I asked the dental nurse when to take my son, and she said as soon as they get a tooth. this also helps them overcome fear if they go from an early age. I don't have a problem taking my boys to the dentist ( aged 9 & 6) and they know they have to brush twice a day. it aint rocket science.

Answer 7

I don't know if I agree as I have four kids three have perfect teeth and one has bad teeth they all eat the same foods, but things are going to get worse as most dentists now are opting out of the NHS and people will not be able to afford to take their children to the dentist.

Answer 8

my children went to the dentist when they were six months old. they were afraid of him and now he takes his mask off when they go. my daughter recently went back for fissure seals on her molars to protect them, and went so far as to not let me in the room with her as she is a big girl now! (she is 6). i found that they were very independant with their teeth and wanted to do it themselves - so i would buy them two brushes each and i would do it first and then they would have a shot.

i have seen other children though that have gone to hospital to get all their baby teeth removed, and other children that have teeth that are simply black and full of holes. my mum had to have all her teeth removed and false ones put in when she was about 35 - and i remember how much pain it caused her. thats maybe why i try to make sure my kids brush their teeth.

Answer 9

I agree, I hate hearing about 3 and 4 year olds who are having teeth removed - it has got to be the parents responsibility. Someone at school has been told her daughter has a small hole in her tooth that will eventually need filling (she is 4) and her mum STILL gives her sweets and fizzy drinks!! I suggested she give her sugar free sweets and stop fizzy drinks and she looked at me like I was mad!!

Answer 10

I agree totally with you. Parents have to make sure that their kids eats less junk food, sweets and that they brush their teeth 2-3 times a week!