Feel horrible about dentist visit

My boys will be 5 in January and I've been taking them to the dentist since they were 3. About a year ago, they noticed DS1's molar had what looked like a small cavity forming. They wanted to "wait and see" and stressed the importance of brushing the back teeth really well.

I was having my own problems with my dentist in this office and decided to find a new one for them and me. They had their check up a few weeks ago and DS1 had 2 cavities; one being the tooth the other dentist wanted to watch.

Today he had them filled and when I went back after he was done, she explained that the tooth we've been watching actually was so bad, she had to put a metal crown on it. :woah:

Needless to say, I was shocked. The other dentist did not feel the need to have it filled and by not doing so, it turned into this. The other filling was very tiny and was not there at the last check up at the old dentist.

Ultimately, I know it's my responsibility as his parent to make sure his teeth are brushed and flossed and I'm feeling like a bad parent right now.

On the bright side, DS2 has not had any cavities so far and I'm hoping to keep it that way for quiet some time.

 

Genetics play a big role too... and what they drink or eat all day. It's not necessarily your fault really. Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it. But yeah you probably want to take them every 6 months.

 

She crowned a baby tooth? I am sorry you are going through so much but PP is right, genetics play a role as well as brushing. I hope you can figure out a good dentist schedule that works. For us, it seems whenever we set an appt, it needs to be moved which always causes us a delay.

 

My dentist has said sometimes those who take the best care of their teeth still get cavities and some who take horrible care of their teeth have none. Genetics isn't fair sometimes.
My older son was born with no enamel on his teeth. We had no idea. Took him to the dentist when he was 3, he had over 8 cavities...had to have root canals...crowns...I was bawling. Felt like the worst mother in the world. They told me it was baby bottle teeth. Which I was shocked by...he was breastfed until 1 year old. Wasn't until I went to a specialist and they diagnosed him with no enamel that I found out what the problem was. Luckily his adult teeth so far all have enamel except one. We buy him special toothpaste from the dentist office with more floride in it.
Try not to be so hard on yourself. Its tough I know but realize you can only teach them to take care of their teeth, but their genetics play a bigger part!

 

The girls both have around 6 metal crowns and they deemed it due to being preemies. It's upsetting but better than other issues that we could deal with

 

My two have 4 crowns each best to save the baby teeth as long as you can, as they fall out the girls think the tooth fairy should pay more money for them as they are silver (they think)
and don't feel bad, we have also gone to dentist regularly and made sure brushed and flossed teeth

 

Dont feel bad!

One of my DDs is a grinder/clencher. She went from a 'watch' spot to a full blown crack and cavity in the tooth in 3 months. She has a silver crown on a back molar. She also had another crack filled to prevent a cavity. She has weak enamel that they think is related to prematurity. But clenching/grinding does not help!!!

My other DD has never had a cavity but has malformed teeth (due to being a preemie)


Some of it is just genetic! Also the 'proactive/wait and see' approach of the dentist can make a difference.


Keep going every 6 months and take it as it comes. As long as you get regular dental care- you are doing the right thing!

 

I am sorry that you and your kids went through this. And i understand how you feel. Nolan got his front tooth crowned before he turned 2. And i blamed myself for his cavity and put him through that. i thought he didnt need the crown and i shouldnt put him through it. but it was one of my good decisions. he needed his front teeth to learn how to talk correctly. Dont beat yourself over it. metal crowning is not rare in little kids.

what kind of floss do you all use? we dont use string. we use floss toothpicks. Kids can floss themselves well. They always ask me to let them floss after they eat meat. they floss everyday. its like a game to them. it works well for us. something to consider GL!

 

I am sorry Judy that you and your DS went through this :hug: Fran is right that genetics do play a role. I am very diligent about my teeth (I brush, floss, the whole nine yards) and I've had at least 15 cavities filled. I used to get so frustrated at the dentist's office until they explained that it was most likely my genetics, they could tell that I took care of my teeth. Knock on wood, I have not had a cavity in a few years and I hope to keep it that way. I hope both of your DS's have no more tooth problems.

We use the floss toothpicks (dentek) here. My kids love to do it and it is easier for them then using the regular floss. I let them floss and then I go over it myself because I know they probably miss a few teeth.

 

Thanks everyone. We do use the floss toothpicks and I do it for them.

As my DH pointed out; we brush DS2 the same way as DS1 and his teeth are just fine.

DS1 is a major thumb sucker and DH feels that is the reason his teeth will most likely be a long term problem for us/him.

The funny part is that DS1 is so proud of this metal tooth. He was very excited to show his teacher and friends at school. :faint: