Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

tattar behind teeth - can I wait for next appointment?

9 replies

Rosieglow · 28/02/2011 10:44

DCs have just had a checkup at the dentist & he commented that DS needs to brush the back of his lower front teeth better as some tartar is building up.

When we brushed them that evening I did them myself & I was quite shocked by the lumps of tartar there & also that the dentist hadn't scrapped it off (also feeling like crap mother for not having noticed before!)

It's on his new adult teeth so surely they can't just be left like that? DD has some tartar behind her front milkteeth too and he wouldn't scrap that off when I asked as he ddidn't want to upset her so she would get frightened of coming back. But I don't think this would be an issue with DS.

Any dentists out there? What would you do for an 8yo. Scrap it off or leave it?

And what should I do? Obviously we aren't due another NHS checkup for 6 months now. Can I leave it that long? Can I scrap it off myself or will I do more damage. If I took him back privately (how I have to see the dentist) would he then lose his NHS status?

thanks for any advice

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Original poster
Rosieglow · 28/02/2011 10:46

Ok so obviously that should say tartar in the title!

OP posts:
belgo · 28/02/2011 10:46

My ds has some tartar on his front teeth and the dentist did not scrap it off, she just recommended better brushing, twice a day, with a suitable toothpaste. He is only two so I think scrapping his tooth would have upset him.

Original poster
Rosieglow · 28/02/2011 11:09

Belgo, I can understand that when they're young & it's their milk teeth. I guess I'm more concerned because it's his new adult teeth - they've got to last a long time!

OP posts:
Seona1973 · 28/02/2011 12:45

you can buy wee dental kits with a scraper tool and a mirror - I have used the scraper thing on dd's 2 front teeth as they are prone to tartar build up due to the way they sit. I think I got the kit at one of the supermarkets.

Original poster
Rosieglow · 28/02/2011 12:50

That sounds ideal - any idea which supermarket?

Off to investigate Boots website.....

OP posts:
Seona1973 · 28/02/2011 12:52

this is similar to what I have

Seona1973 · 28/02/2011 12:55

Boots also sell a simlar set with an extra pick thing - it is made by Dentek

Original poster
Rosieglow · 28/02/2011 13:47

Have just looked up the Boots one - that looks ideal & on offer. Thanks for the tip.

OP posts:
Original poster
Rosieglow · 01/03/2011 18:14

Right, I've got the scrapper - now to get DS to sit still!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread