So gutted about DS teeth

[RainbowInACloud]

DS is 5. He had a check up at the dentist a couple of months ago and needed 3 fillings. I was gutted back then, felt very ashamed but things have got worse. One developed an infection and needed the tooth pulling out. Another then came loose and now needs either pulling out or root canal. There's early signs of decay on some other molars which will need treatment.
I'm so gutted- ashamed, guilty and feeling quite panicked about it.
We have always brushed his teeth without fail twice a day. However he has had puddings and treats too often. I thought we were being good as he has never had juice, fizzy drinks etc. but a combination of too much baking/ fun days out where I thought an ice cream was a treat has taken it's toll.
I don't know why I'm posting really. I feel shocking. My poor lovely boy and it's all my fault.
Anyone had anything similar happen? Can't tell anyone in RL as too embarrassed

[mrsdavidbowie]

Learn from it....limit sugar and be ruthless about cleaning new teeth.
And watch fruit too.
I have a mouthful of fillings from early seventies when our dentist was drilling happy ( and got struck off).....have never had one since, though old ones now need maintenance.
Teeth are so important.
Don't beat yourself up..

[lightgreenglass]

I really doubt it's your fault as I have no fillings at all and drank a shed load of fizzy drinks and didn't always brush my teeth as a child/teenager. Now I am religious about it. He's probably just more prone to it.

[LadyLuck81]

Some people are more prone than others I guess. Like the PP I ate plenty of fruit, snacks, ice cream, biscuits etc and at the hand age of 33 I've one filling and that's because of a chip and not decay.

By all means cut back on treats and sugar if you know he's susceptible. Keep up the brushing. But don't beat yourself up. You know now and can make any necessary changes.

[RainbowInACloud]

Thank you. After the fillings we went on total crack down and he's hardly had anything but the damage is still happening.
We will be ruthless now. I'm dreading the treatment and wondering if it would be better to ask for sedation (for both of us!)

[gordonpym]

You should ask your dentist about products that helps prevent further decay. Some are made by the dentist, such as the molar sealant, and you can start at 5, even on milk teeth, other are bought at the Pharmacy such as fluoride mouthwash (in daily or weekly strength) .
Here in Australia, our dentist recommended this www.oralhealthcrc.org.au/content/tooth-mousse .
If your DS is more prone to decay, you need to do more to prevent them. Are you sure he is not snacking or drinking milk after the brushing? Sultanas and dried cranberries are terrible for teeth.
Are you still using a milk teeth toothpaste? It may be time to switch to a full strength one, as long as you are sure he is spitting it.