My 7 year old was cavity free 9 months ago and has suddenly developed 5 cavities!!?? Should I get second opin?

Question

How is this possible, he is a great brusher!! Is this a scam?? Anyone in the dental business around to clarify???

He has already had his 6 year molars sealed, the hygienist looked at his x-ray and said she saw 1 small shadow that looked like it might be a cavity, dentist sees 5 in 33 seconds, not the same dentist as usual but works in the same office, this guy is new and is looking for more clients, in fact the hygienist asked if I would let him do the dental work. I said no thanks, would prefer the usual dentist. He also had a visit from the Health unit in school last month, they reported him to be cavity free, via a visual inspection. I am still confused

Answer 1

Did he go to the same dentist this time that he went to before?
If so, talk to him when he goes back to have the teeth filled. Ask why he has so many cavities now.
It's common for dentists to chart a tooth as a "watch" instead of a tooth that needs filled immediately. Sometimes, if there is just an area that needs observation, and is not a full blown cavity, they will do this. They don't want to drill unnecessarily on a good tooth if it may turn out to be nothing. Perhaps those "watches" just turned into "needs treatment" quickly.

Also, ask the dentist to explain to you why your son is getting so many cavities. He can almost always tell what is causing the cavities by the location they are on the teeth. For example, if most of the cavities are in between two teeth, it's a sign that he's not flossing, which is leading to cavities.
Don't be afraid to talk to your dentist. They're full of knowledge and want nothing more than your son to have a gorgeous, healthy smile!

Answer 2

This very normal, it happens all the time. From your description, those cavities seem to be visible only on bitewing x-rays. Those are the type of cavities that occur in between teeth (interproximal cavities) and can only be seen by a type of x-rays called “Bitewings”. So if your son hasn’t had those types of x-rays in the past year or so, then it is very likely that the regular dental exam would show no cavities, but the x-rays will. Ask the dentist to point those cavities for you on your son’s x-rays. They would look like a little dark shadow, mostly triangular in shape. The reason why your son is getting those cavities in between his teeth has nothing to do with brushing; it is his diet or snacking pattern. If he tends to drink juice or milk whenever he is thirsty in between meals, then that's enough to get this type of cavities, the second contributing factor is lack of flossing (not brushing). Try to assume good faith in those healthcare professionals, if you are still in doubt ask for a copy of the x-rays and seek a second opinion from a Board Certified pediatric dentist, good luck!

Answer 3

I am not saying this is what happened but i see this kinda thing everyday......

Most dentist do not take XRAYs on young kids.... it could be that your denist took your child first Xrays and got a look at what was going on between the teeth. A dentist can not tell what is happening between the teeth without taking Xrays.

Also.... You child may have groves that he can't get to. When his adult teeth come in you should have sealents put on them....

He is a great brusher ..... but is he a great flosser? IF his cavities are between the teeth then that might be the problem.

He might be bushing and missing some spots... try getting that stuff from CREST called Agent Blue...... you have him brush and then rinse with it and any missed plaque will turn blue! Then have him brush again.
You should also have him rinse at night with a product called Phosphlur.... It cost more than ACT but it is a million times better

good luck

Answer 4

That can happen. Do you floss your childs teeth?? If you don't then that is one main reason kids get decay. Visual inspections can only see what is visable to the eye most decay in the early stages is only visable in an x-ray or with a special laser detecting instrument. They are soo microscopic. It may have seemed like it was all of a sudden but more then likely they were already there and just too small to see even int the best x-ray. Just schedule the appt with your normal dr and any concerns you just have to ask him. Good Luck

Answer 5

Sticky foods like fruit rollups and hard candy can stick to the teeth and even brushing doesn't always get rid of it. Food stuck between the teeth, especially breads, also breaks down the enamel and can cause decay.

It is entirely possible to get cavities in 9 months. Did they show you the xrays? The cavities might also have been there 9 months ago but were smaller then.

Make sure he is also getting appropriate amounts of calcium.

Answer 6

Typically you need a clinical and x-rays for caries diagnosis. Dentists are trained to spot cavities quickly, but some dentists are more aggressive than others for treatment. I've see cavities develop in less than 2 months.

Answer 7

I would because your dentist may be scamming you I know someone that happened to and they asked to see the xrayand there was no cavity not even an almost shadow where the dentist said..!!

Answer 8

He could have deep grooves in his molars and when this happens they can decay fairly rapidly. They can put sealants on them which I highly recommend. If that is the problem no matter how good he brushes he will get cavities there.

Answer 9

Its achieveable. possibly your previous dentist didnt seize the cavities or purely didnt try this stable of a job. Mine found out i replaced into grinding my tooth down my first bypass to the place my previous didnt even observe in 10 years of me going to him.

Answer 10

no its not a scam, it could be hereditary. if you still feel its a scam go to another dentist but more then likely your child suffers from dry mouth which can cause all sorts of issues