Reflux teeth-1st dental visit today!

[Anonymous]

There has been a lot on the boards lately about teeth brushing and the effects of reflux on the teeth so I just wanted to share what they told me today when I took Seth to the pediatric dentist for the first time. I took him in because he was holding the left side of his face like his teeth hurt and I saw him wincing when he was eating and also just wondering if the reflux was damaging his teeth..

They did already see the early signs of decay and the breakdown of enamel (white spots) on his teeth. He also had considerable plaque (he brushes his teeth but he refuses to let us brush) so they told me we had to start brushing his teeth even if it means holding him down or we will have a big problem later. They said he was still cutting his two year old molars and that was probably what was causing his discomfort. I am not sure if the decay is due to us not brushing, the reflux or a combo. of both. The good news is they do think if we start brushing better now, we can prevent further damage.

Anyway, I don’t have to take him back until he is three (when they usually recommend the first visit) unless I notice any problems or we can’t get off the rest of the plaque with a toothbrush. They did say with the reflux though it is good that I brought him in at a younger age.

I also asked about fluoride since I see so many conflicting things about it. They said no to fluoride toothpaste since it has a higher concentration but fluoride in water (tap or bottled) is fine since they do need some but the % in those is small.

Hope this helps someone!

Mom2Seth2006-12-1 11:22:43

[Anonymous]

Thanks for sharing the news! Glad his teeth are okay overall- no cavities yet. Not so happy to hear that they think we need to hold them down and force brush… great!!… that’ll help a feeding aversion!

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to post these as I plan on ordering tonight.

http://www.spiffies.com/

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the link Lori, I’ll have to check those out too. I did ask the dentist about a wash cloth instead of a toothbrush and she said it was not abrasive enough in her opinion.

yeah, I am not looking forward to holding him down… He screamed bloody murder the whole time the dentist was checking him out. I felt bad for the older kids who were trying to be “brave” and even worse for Seth. They basically had him straddle me facing my front and then leaned him back into the dentist’s lap and I held his arms. Not fun.. They suggested dh and I do this at home to brush his teeth. I knew we needed to do a better job with the brushing but I could not believe all the plaque that had built up. I don’t think I would even try that with a feeding aversion!

Mom2Seth2006-12-1 12:52:38

[Anonymous]

Tiffany,

I’m so glad you posted this. I’ve been putting off taking Eliana to the dentist, but now I think I’ll make an appointment for her.

I took Liza a few months ago and our dentist said fluoride toothpaste is fine as long as you use only a pea sized amt. But to be honest with you I wasn’t terribly impressed by him though everyone else in our small town thinks he’s fabulous. I’ve been conflicted over how much fluoride my kids should get for years and no one seems to have a good answer.

I had to laugh about the other kids trying to be brave while Seth was screaming. I’m sure it wasn’t funny for you at the time but it did make me laugh when I read it.

Well, I’m glad they said his teeth will be alright if you start brushing them well now. I hope he gets used to the tooth brushing routine pretty quickly.

[Anonymous]

Tiffany will Seth let you take turns? We started this with Kayleigh when she was younger now luckily she lets me finish before she has to have a turn! We used a “timer tube” to start this. Basically it is a empty mini m&m’s tube. I put pictures of myself and Kayleigh in miniture lined up on the outside from top to bottom w/velcro. Then I started and when I was done (10 secs) I put my picture in the tube to signify her turn then I let her brush for about 20-30 secs then put her picture in the tube etc. We did this for several weeks each time lengthing how long I brushed. It was a great visual for who’s turn it was.

Interesting that you were told it was recommended to begin dentist visits at age 3. We were told at 12mos to begin just for those early get to know the dentist type visit. Kayleigh has been 3 times now and is still a little nervous but she loves getting a new toothbrush and a choice from the “treasure chest”. Good Luck if I can figure out how to get a good picture of our timer tubes I’ll post it.

PS. We also use the tube as a way to tell her how much longer she can play at the park or how long we have to shop etc. Just by exchanging the pictures of ourselves with little poker chips to tell time. I found it’s a great way to adjust the “time” to fit your schedule. Good Luck with the teeth brushing.

[hellbennt]

Lynn,

you should sell those!!

also: there must be videos of Elmo (and others, but Elmo is King in this house) brushing his teeth…hmm…

~laura

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I know there’s a Barney one. There must be others. Good idea.

[Anonymous]

Lynn, your timer idea sounds great. Definitely try to post some pics if you can!

I don’t get the age 3 recommendation either. It even says on their website age 1 but when I called them at that time they said there was really nothing they could do until he was two and then when I took him in they said 3!! I guess 3 is when they will actually clean his teeth….

Good idea about the videos. Thanks guys!

Mom2Seth2006-12-6 9:33:25

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