To feel like a shit parent? Fillings!

GoneWithTheWine1 · 2022-09-05T12:07:33+00:00

Took DS6 and DS11 to the dentist today to be told both need to come back for fillings. [sad] Both on the spectrum and both really struggling with brushing their teeth, I have to hold them down and do it myself. I have a genetic disease that effected my teeth to the point I wear dentures in my 30s, we are unsure if DSs have it too and I really don't want them going through the same trauma I have had. I feel so shit, I'm not even sure if DS6 will tolerate having an injection which he needs as it's deep. Obviously sweets and fizzy stuff (not that they are allowed them much) is now off the menu for good. Is there anything I can do to help them to stop them getting more problems? Both have electric tooth brushes, adult tooth paste and mouth wash but clearly not helping.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 05/09/2022 13:24

I don’t think the answer is to ban sweets and fizzy stuff (moderation and all that). I think the answer is to work on better teeth brushing and care. I realize you have extra challenges with that, but really it’s the only answer.

Figure out what it is about the teeth cleaning that they don’t like and work to find alternatives. But at the end of the day that’s the only thing that’s going to really work.

Odoreida · 05/09/2022 13:30

Some people do just have crappy teeth. I didn't have a filling till I was 30, my brother who was brought up just as I was had loads of fillings as a kid. My son (11) has also had loads of fillings and milk teeth pulled out. I felt terrible about it at the beginning.
He drinks only water at home (juice as a treat), sweets and stuff occasionally, brushes his teeth really well. The dentist said it may just be genetic. Best just to keep on with the care (when my son was little I used to brush my own teeth while he was doing his), ask the dentist for advice and for resources for nervous patients. I hope more people will be along with advice about that, but just to say don't feel bad about your kids' teeth!

VeronicaBeccabunga · 05/09/2022 13:42

Do dentists still do fissure sealing?
They sort of 'paint' the teeth with a resin coating, which IIRC, is then set with UV light. The process is painless and the end result invisible.
This means that any little gaps or irregular surfaces in the teeth are filled in and smoothed over making cleaning much easier and bacteria less likely to gain a foothold, as it were.
Both my kids had it done as soon as they had a full set of adult teeth and neither has ever had a filling.

Ayupchuck1 · 05/09/2022 13:49

Mouthwash to be used at a different time to brushing (it washed the fluoride away from toothpaste - which is there to protect teeth).

spit and don’t rinse too

Original poster

GoneWithTheWine1 · 05/09/2022 13:50

VeronicaBeccabunga · 05/09/2022 13:42

Do dentists still do fissure sealing?
They sort of 'paint' the teeth with a resin coating, which IIRC, is then set with UV light. The process is painless and the end result invisible.
This means that any little gaps or irregular surfaces in the teeth are filled in and smoothed over making cleaning much easier and bacteria less likely to gain a foothold, as it were.
Both my kids had it done as soon as they had a full set of adult teeth and neither has ever had a filling.

I'm not sure it wasn't offered by our dentist. Just the fillings. I will ask at their appointments.

OP posts:

abovedecknotbelow · 05/09/2022 13:51

VeronicaBeccabunga · 05/09/2022 13:42

Do dentists still do fissure sealing?
They sort of 'paint' the teeth with a resin coating, which IIRC, is then set with UV light. The process is painless and the end result invisible.
This means that any little gaps or irregular surfaces in the teeth are filled in and smoothed over making cleaning much easier and bacteria less likely to gain a foothold, as it were.
Both my kids had it done as soon as they had a full set of adult teeth and neither has ever had a filling.

Yes they do - DTs had it done last week.

moita · 05/09/2022 13:53

OP I had fillings and teeth removed as a youngster. Really do think its genetics as I wasn't allowed fizzy drinks etc. Try not to beat yourself up

Original poster

GoneWithTheWine1 · 05/09/2022 13:53

Thanks for all the kind comments
I've told them for now they are to stick to water and milk (which they both like thank god!) and I'll be cutting down the sugary snacks (it'll become a after school treat).
I didn't know mouth wash was supposed to be used at a different time I will also be doing that. They're really not keen on mouth wash anyway (worse part of brushing) so they'll probably be happier.
I just don't want them to loose their teeth and be like me it's a really big fear for me.

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Mumofsend · 05/09/2022 14:17

My nearly 6 YO needs two fillings. Except he can't tolerate the needle for LA and because he needs a GA the NHS will only remove them, not fill them. If any others look remotely dodgy they will be removed too. I've been devastated and cross they won't fill them.

I'm quite strict re drinks but tooth brushing has been a long standing issue here and now full of anxiety that we won't get his tooth care sorted before we have adult tooth problems.

Solidarity.

Natsku · 05/09/2022 14:27

Will they chew gum? Xylitol chewing gum straight after meals and snacks helps prevent issues. And definitely ask about the sealing.

Original poster

GoneWithTheWine1 · 05/09/2022 14:29

Mumofsend · 05/09/2022 14:17

My nearly 6 YO needs two fillings. Except he can't tolerate the needle for LA and because he needs a GA the NHS will only remove them, not fill them. If any others look remotely dodgy they will be removed too. I've been devastated and cross they won't fill them.

I'm quite strict re drinks but tooth brushing has been a long standing issue here and now full of anxiety that we won't get his tooth care sorted before we have adult tooth problems.

Solidarity.

That's awful! Surely they should just fill them? My dc dentist said they won't pull them as it'll effect how their adult teeth grow in. (That's also for ds11 whose adult teeth are pushing through the ones that needs fillings so will be out soon anyway!) 🤔

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Original poster

GoneWithTheWine1 · 05/09/2022 14:31

Natsku · 05/09/2022 14:27

Will they chew gum? Xylitol chewing gum straight after meals and snacks helps prevent issues. And definitely ask about the sealing.

DS11 chews gum as he has sensory needs anyway. ds6 still to little. I'll get some to try. Thank you.

OP posts: