Cavities in kids?

Question

My daughter is 8 years old and I took her to the dentist last week for a check up and found out she has 4 cavities, which we're going to have to get filled after Christmas. She's pretty anxious about it, if anyone has been in a similar situation, what have you done to calm your kid down and get them through it?

Also, what age was your child when they got their first cavities? I feel terrible that my daughter has cavities at the age of 8, but my neighbours kids have all had cavities practically since their teeth came through.

Answer 1

Well, if you are taking your daughter to a pediatric dentist ( one who specializes in only seeing chidlren ) then they have plenty of awesome techniques they use to help calm chidren down. One thing you may want to ask the dentist is if they can use Nitrous Oxide on her. This is harmless and it will help relax her while she is in the office. It is not a drug, it is a gas. If she is really anxious and cannot calm down, in some cases they will prescribe " kiddie cocktails" to help relieve anxiety in children. Again, that is usually just a mild sedative and will knock the child completely out...think of it is the equivalent of a glass of wine.

One thing you can also do is not to beat yourself up about the decay. Have the dentist or hygienist talk to her while she is at her appt. and let them teach her good brushing and flossing skills. Also, make sure you are taking your children for regular cleanings and checkups. One other thing to consider is talking to her dentist about placing sealants on her permanent molars and even bicuspids. This is a sealant protectant that is basically painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where there are deep pits and fissures ( a great place for deacy to set in ) These will help seal the tooth and help in preventing decay. The procedure for placing sealants is not at all painful and usually can be done by the hygienist in some states where it is allowed and usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

Answer 2

Don't feel bad. Sometimes no matter what you do if you or her father have bad teeth then it's genetic. It would help if you flossed her teeth once a day and make sure you are brushing her teeth well.
The dentist should reassure her that there is nothing to worry about.
I have been a dental nurse for 5 years and for your daughter to have a few cavities at this age really is nothing to worry about. I have seen a LOT worse!
Try not to get too anxious yourself because she will pick up on that and worry about it even more. Try not to make a big thing about it and tell her there is nothing to worry about the dentist is just going to take away the bad stuff and put something in so she doesn't have a hole. It feels like he is tickling your teeth.
When you get to the dentist tell him that she is a bit worried and he should be able to put her at ease.
The promise of a small treat afterwards always helps!

Answer 3

It all down to diet! Most pre-made foods and take outs have additives and preservatives which cause cavities! My three older children who are 16, 20, 24 have never had a cavity! The two year old has been for a check up, but being milk teeth the trip was merely getting her used to future trips!
I would explain to her that he is going to fix the holes, so that she doesn't get any terrible toothache! Explain to her that if the teeth get left, she will end up with horrible brown teeth which hurt. It is unfortunately a horrible thing ... I have a phobia of dentists, and when my older ones used to go as younger kids, I would be there, hold there hand, and just leave the talking to the dentist and his assistant. I am sure ifyou tell the surgery before hand that she is a little anxious, they will do all they can to reassure her!

Answer 4

My son gets cavities all the time, he's 9 now. He had major dental work done when he was 5 and minor stuff since. He went a couple weeks ago and goes back again on the 20th to have some things done. The very back teeth especially have an enamel problem that started before he was even born or right after birth that was no way preventable and it's what's causing most of his problems. He brushes, uses his pre-brush rinse and after brushing rinse. I've always had dental problems though, I think every single one of my teeth have had a root canal, crown, filling, etc. and I've always brushed. My husband hasn't been to the dentist in almost 20 years and eats anything under the sun. My ex from years ago didn't even start brushing his teeth until after high school and had 1 cavity (as of the last time we spoke).

Answer 5

I really think good teeth either run in the family or they don't. I am sure this is not scientifically founded, but it is just from my experience. My ex husband and his family all had good brushing habits, yet they ended up with cavities at a young age. Myself and my brothers... one of my brothers (age 29) has never had a cavity. My other brother has only had 2 (age 32) his whole life. I never had a cavity utntil after I had my daughter at age 29. Since then, I've had 2 more. We all had excellent brushing habits and good teeth care, we just had better luck I guess. I don't have any advice for you as I've never had to take a child to the dentist with a cavity. Good luck! But don't feel bad, I am sure there are many other parents who instill good brushing habits in their kids and they still get a cavity. You didn't do anything wrong.

Answer 6

I can't help much for sure with the first part of the question since my kids are only 2 & 3, However, I believe they will be much less anxious about it if you talk with them about it. Explain that thier teeth have got little holes that need to be fixed. If they don't get fixed they will get bigger and bigger and then they will really start to hurt. Tell them that the Dentist is there to help them fix the teeth so they don't have to be VERY painful later.

Reassure your child that you will be with them and that they have nothing to worry about. If you talk to the dentist and let them know your child is anxious, I suspect that they will be understanding and let you hold their hand or something to comfort your child and help them to get through the process.

My 3 year old has a cavity. I was surprised to discover this since I thought we are taking good care of their teeth. We don't give them much sugary food or snacks, we try to give them mostly healthy snacks such as fruit with occasional crackers or cookies. Also, we choose snacks that are from health food stores that are lower is sugar, and are made with organic ingredients. We only give them water and occasionally fruit juices or a little bit of tea(all organic). and we brush their teeth thoroughly at night.

In order to make the experience at the dentist's office easier, the dentist recommended that each time when brushing the our kid's teeth, we should "get into their mouth" poke around, examine, floss and such similar to what the dentist might be doing so that they are used to that when it comes time for the dentist to work on their teeth.
I hope this helps...

Answer 7

I recommend buying some of Listerine's "Agent Blue" childrens mouthwash. Have them brush their teeth and then (possibly with help) use the mouthwash as directed and look at their teeth. The areas where the teeth are blue is where she needs to work on brushing better. Also, flossing is great, so I would buy some children's floss tools. An example of what I mean are shown at this link: http://www.dentist.net/floss-children.asp. I know we have used the Oral B flossers that are dinosaur shaped, and our kids seem to have an easier time with those. The Den-Tek with flouride is great as well. In fact, you might want to ask your dentist whether or not your daughter should be on flouride tablets. I know my 9 yr. old used to be on those before she started the flouride rinse at school and it's in her toothpaste. The only other suggestions I can make are the obvious ones. Try to avoid soda or at least limit to small amounts. (I have to admit mine have soda more often than they should.) The big plus my kids have is that they love fruit and veggies so that's pretty much what they all choose as an afterschool snack. Other than that...I don't really know what to tell you. Hope some of that helps! Have a good holiday!!

Answer 8

good dental hygeine starts before a tooth appears. Get babies use to having a little paste smeared onto the gum with a soft cloth as teething begins. This gets them used to cleaning teeth as early as possible. once teeth apear brush PROPERLY twice a day for 3 mins each time, use childrens mouthwash after and teeth should be fine. All my family have only ever done this. No cavities No nothing apart from beautiful white strong teeth. Also drink at least a pint of milk a day

Answer 9

My son age 6 is when he had his first cavity, and he actually did very well. I was surprised. My other son was 8 and doesnt have problems with his teeth like my middle son., but he did have one cavity. Just tell your daughter that it will be over with quickly and it really wont hurt. My son told me that he didnt feel a thing and didnt mind going again the next time.

Answer 10

Both of my sons went through this. They both took lots of antibiotics when they were young. My youngest son had 4 front teeth that were absest. Go to a pediatric dentist, they know how to work with kids. My youngest still doesn't like the dentist, but who really does. He has great teeth now and all the baby teeth that were bad are now gone. We did spacers and the whole nine yards to make sure his teeth are the best they can be. I tell him that girls notice those things. He is eleven now and just thinking of girls. That also keeps him brushing.