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Original poster

DD and cavities, feel sick with worry.

10 replies

MumbleCrumbs · 04/05/2022 21:46

DD is 6 with a lot of sensory issues and anxiety, we brush her teeth twice a day but it is always a challenge as she hates it and from looking at them straight on they seemed fine, but a few days ago I finally got her to let me have a proper look and she has two huge cavities in her back molars, they are really quite bad and I have felt completely sick to my stomach with guilt ever since. I don't know how I didn't see them. DH usually does the teeth brushing and I do hair and that's our routine, but I should have noticed. I feel like the worst mum in the universe. We went to an appointment not that long ago and they weren't there. I have had a really horrible time of it with depression and bad health and I feel like I just haven't been attentive enough.

What do you think the dentist will do? If she has to have them extracted I don't feel like I'll ever forgive myself, this is totally my fault and there aren't any excuses for it. I am just so worried and anxious and if anyone has any idea what the process is with young DC's and big cavities please tell me! I am praying they will just be able to fill them.

OP posts:

cestlavielife · 04/05/2022 21:48

Are you sure ? If they were not there not so long ago?
Are you a dentist?
Hiw do you know they cavities?
Take her back to dentist
Ask dentist about sealants

HairyScaryMonster · 04/05/2022 21:49

Ahh bless you, these things happen. They are baby teeth still so even if extracted won't cause long term issues. I know what it's like to have a child with sensory issues and sometimes the trauma of bodily forcing a child to do something they don't want to do is too much. I've seen these semi circle toothbrushes so easier to get all the teeth quickly, could they help?

Original poster

MumbleCrumbs · 04/05/2022 21:50

Yes they weren't there on our last trip to the dentist, but it was a while ago (though she is up to date on her dental appts). I'm pretty sure they are cavities, they look like cavities. She is going to the dentist tomorrow.

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Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 04/05/2022 21:51

My DS had cavities in his baby teeth and I felt awful but the dentist was lovely. He had to have fillings but was fine getting them done and now his adult teeth have come through beautifully.

Original poster

MumbleCrumbs · 04/05/2022 21:54

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 04/05/2022 21:51

My DS had cavities in his baby teeth and I felt awful but the dentist was lovely. He had to have fillings but was fine getting them done and now his adult teeth have come through beautifully.

Can I ask if he needed an injection or anything before having them? DD has zero pain in either tooth but I honestly do not know what we will do. It took three trips to the GP to get her to let them do the nasal flu spray.

OP posts:

Icecreamandapplepie · 04/05/2022 21:58

It's really common, try not to feel too guilty!

One of ours has weak teeth and had two fillings age 5. Other 2 have been fine, same diet and brushing.

Keep up the brushing and see if dentist has any tips for you.

But don't feel bad, and it is a very common problem...

MangoMayoMacaroni · 04/05/2022 22:18

If they are definitely cavities, the options will be either filling, stainless steel crown (gold standard for back baby teeth if they have a large/deep cavity) or extraction, if they are too far gone to save.

It’s important to save them if possible as it helps guide adult teeth into the right position, so the dentist you see will try to save them if at all possible.

try not to worry though, they will talk through the options if your child needs an extraction and may refer to a dental hospital for sedation, if they or you think you’re child couldn’t comply in general practice.

Two main things fuel caries (cavities) - sugar and plaque. If the brushing is pretty good then it may be her diet or frequency of snacks etc.

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 04/05/2022 22:22

No, no injections needed. He had a bit of drilling but was fine with it. Once his adult teeth came through he saw the hygienist who talked him through how to brush his teeth really well and how important it is which helped him. We also use the plaque disclosing tablets a couple of times a week as he likes brushing away the colour!

RowanAlong · 04/05/2022 22:39

This was me and my dc last week! Turns out it was congenital hyperpigmentation making them look brown, not me being a bad teeth-cleaner…there is hope!

Original poster

MumbleCrumbs · 05/05/2022 06:34

I don't think it's hyperpigmentation in the backs, they are definitely big cavities. I'm just so upset about it, none of my DCs have ever had teeth issues until now. I'm glad to hear they'll prioritise saving them rather than extracting that's really what I'm hoping for.

OP posts:

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