Dental decay in 4 year old

[SleepRefugee]

Hello everyone. Took my daughter (4) to the dentist today as we've noticed some erosion/decay (tiny gap between front teeth) but she took one look, said there's nothing they can do and proceeded to tell me off for allowing her juice . I know juice isn't great, my daughter will dehydrate herself to the point of constipation though. Anyway, we are working on cutting down on juice.

But is it true that they can't do anything about the decay??? It's only tiny so I'm sure no anesthetic would be needed. Do I need to find a different dentist or go private? Don't want the decay to get worse obviously!

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like a particularly shit dentist!surley their job is to restore teeth not just deliver lectures! I would change dentists

I'm afraid that filling a tooth does not stop it decaying unless you address the cause. If fruit juice is the cause then the acid in the fruit juice will dissolve the bond holding a white filling in place so would be a complete waste of time.
Applying fluoride varnish or even better using a good fluoride toothpaste twice a day, not rinsing after brushing and perhaps applying a little dab of toothpaste directly to the cavity at bedtime would help stabilise the cavity.
Oh and allowing them to take a cup of fruit juice to bed does the most damage.
Try diluting the juice down over a few weeks so she doesn't notice. The problem is that we assume it is a good substitute for whole fruit and it isn't actually classed a one of your 5 a day.

Thanks!
We have always brushed at least twice a day. She certainly doesn't go to bed with a cup of juice!
My daughter has coeliac's as well as a dairy and soy allergy. Plus she drinks very little. Not enough if only given water, just about enough if allowed juice. She needs constant reminders to drink. (This does happen. Some children will not drink
enough.)
My question was about dental treatment options, I realise juice is not healthy and too sugary/acidic. It has crept in for reasons related to the management of her health issues. We are addressing it (regular brushing, juice diluted as much as possible, drunk through a straw, only at mealtimes or to give medication).

Will look into fluoride varnishes.

Most dentists wont do anything in this case, as these teeth are going to fall out anyway. Water all the way and if they must have some juice or cordial, dilute it right down and restrict to mealtimes.

Try chucking actual fruit into water even cucumber is nice and calling it big girl juice. It has way less sugar and still have some flavor. She can experiment with what flavor combos she likes best.