Tooth decay!?

UGh, I feel like a terrible mother. I noticed what appears to be gray streaks on my daughters lower teeth (way too difficult to tell because she NEVER sits still! LOL).

I know I looked at both children before their 18 month check up and they looked ok (or so I thought). There may have been a little bit of white spots, but I couldn't confirm.

They have not been to the dentist yet.

I never let the children linger with a bottle, no bottles in the crib. Only milk in the bottle, watered down juice, water in a cup. It took a hwile to wean them off the bottle (done by 18 months).

But my dirty little secret is that I haven't been very good about brushing their teeth. They love toothbrushes and tend to play with them and carry them all around the house. I brush their teeth infrequently. I also didn't give them any sugar stuff at all until their 1st birthday. In an average day, they might have an animal cookie or some yogurt that has sugar in it (although I get the organic stuff).

What should I do???? She is addicted to the pacifier unfortunately. Is that the culprit? Or is it because I didnt' take better care of their teeth??? :-(

Has anyone had this? Did you have to have your LO's teeth capped???? UGH! My 3 yo niece has her teeth capped but they put juice in her bottle and let her sleep with it....all the wrong things

TIA... I'm freaking out... we don't have money to deal with major dental problems...

 

I don't think it will be a major dental problem if you were to have their teeth checked soon or it could be. Not sure how old yours are but my boys have been going to the dentist since they were 10 months old because both of their two front teeth grew in a bit discolored (They had teeth by 4 months). It wasn't decay and mine never went to bed with a bottle or jucie, in fact, they only ever have had water. They have been to the dentist every six months since. I would talk to your Pedi maybe he can recommend a Pedi dentist or just let him know what your concerns are and see what he says. Also, it has nothing to do with you being "a bad mother" at all things happen, don't beat yourself up about it. Chances are it is nothing you did wrong.

 

Do they take vitamins? Mine son's teeth turned grey from taking Polivisol [liquid vitamin with iron] after 2 doses. Apparently chewables/gummies can do the same. I would make an apt with a Ped dentist to be sure. They won't polish until 2.5-3, but can get the grey off and help you figure out what the problem is. Hopefully it is just a surface issue.

Best of luck!

 

I think fluoride can stain their teeth, too...do they take fluoride supplements?

 

Even with the post-dose washcloth wipe, my boys got a little gray from the liquid vitamins w/iron. It wasn't stripes, though. More like graying around the edges where the washcloth didn't reach so well. Their chewables haven't caused a problem even though they also contain iron. But, yes, discoloration can be from decay so you'll have to get them checked to know for certain.

We established a brushing routine by adding it to their bedtime routine. They get their pajamas on, brush, floss, and then we read stories -- every night. Yes, really. I have quite a few childhood fillings and it's a goal of mine to do all I can to instill better habits than I learned.

 

Thanks ladies.... that's reassuring that it might be from vitamins or something. I't's weird that I didn't notice it at all only 2 months ago, and I specifically checked their teeth then.

I will check with their doctor though... and I need to get more structured with cleaning their teeth regularly.

Thanks!