https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 09:50:04 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2902951 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 09:52:32 +0000 graceandjoy 2902951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: I think that's better than melting down at the office! Good job! Mine peed on me while getting her cavities filled soooo :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2902949 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 09:42:57 +0000 bhbee 2902949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: I'm glad you got through it! that's interesting about the numbness, wouldn't have expected that but it makes sense. I agree it is the weirdest feeling!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2902948 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 09:38:06 +0000 BUNBUN 2902948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: Ooh, I didn't even think about that, but it's my least favorite part too!</p> <p>If you do movies, maybe for the next recovery period you can have 2 hours worth ready to go and do a milkshake or smoothie as a treat. Anything to make that numb time pass faster!</p> <p>That's awesome that she did so well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2902942 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:27:20 +0000 Ajsmommy 2902942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>UPDATE:<br /> yesterday was DD's first appt to fill the cavities. They gave her some gas to calm her and she did so great they ended up filling 4 (tackling 2 "areas" of concern) in this one visit. She did fantastic and was a champ....</p> <p>When we left the office I thought we'd grab a treat and head to school.. BUT.... this is when she melted down. She could not stand that her lip/cheek were still numb. Like i'm talking break down crying every 10-15 mins bc it was still numb. I decided to take her home and wait it out.. but she was a mess for about 2 hours so i decided to call it a day and we stayed home. Note the numbness did not hurt her, she just really hated it. By afternoon she was fine, although she had scratched her outer lip from pulling on it :( </p> <p>So just a heads up.. that maybe your kid might hate the numbness after ….completely fine for the drilling, numbing, sucking, spraying... but not the numbness after </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901244 Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:51:45 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2901244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lisa1783: this is me too. As someone who also has genetically bad teeth and grew up with zero dental care for the first 11 years of my life, I am neurotic about my daughter's (6 years old) tooth brushing and dental checkups so that she doesn't end up having to go into debt over dental work (hello me at 25!) or at minimum being used to going to the dentist and knowing it's a major part of her well being. </p> <p>@ajsmommy genetics are a huge part of this, so yes, do be more thorough about brushing and flossing and check-ups but also know that you can't do everything. Work with the dentist on this too, and get second opinions if you find them recommending expensive work. I've run into that with my own dental issues so I'm a big advocate of getting second opinions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901222 Thu, 31 Oct 2019 12:02:20 +0000 lisa1783 2901222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Genetics definitely plays a huge part but being vigilant is also really important to offset that. I'm in the same boat as you, I HATE HATE HATE the dentist and loathe it and I went a really long time without going and I had a huge crapload of stuff to deal with when I finally did. I was determined not to let that happen to my kids - not to have the same fear I do so I'm really disciplined with bringing them on time so they don't develop the same fears I did. I feel like if you bring them regularly and bring them to a pediatric dentist where they specialize in kids and making the experience normal and non-traumatic, it makes a big difference. Their dentists are really gentle and not about forcing anything - even when I'm ready to just force them to open their mouth, they are really calm and make it a very easy experience for them. So even if I'm dying inside at being at a dentist's office, at least my kids won't feel the same way.</p> <p>My older son has deep grooves in his teeth and they were concerned that it could foster cavities so we took the proactive approach of sealants to prevent it from happening. The sealant process was pretty easy - the hardest part is they have to keep their mouths open for a long time which is tough. I would definitely recommend it because it's easier than treating the cavities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901100 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 12:29:34 +0000 Becky 2901100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: ugh that stinks, sorry! The sealants are definitely the way to go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901099 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 12:15:12 +0000 meganmp 2901099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's genetic- my son is hardcore when it comes to dental hygiene and freaks out if he doesn't floss or use mouthwash, and he had a cavity. My daughter is pretty laissez-faire about the whole thing, and she's had none. I think my daughter has my teeth and my son has my husband's, so... oh well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901096 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 12:01:24 +0000 Ajsmommy 2901096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Becky: they actually said she was doing a good job brushing, well the hygienist did. The hygienist asked her questions about how she brushed and DD told her and hygienist was very happy. The dentist said the "cavities" were minor, barely visible but bc they are on those molars (she'll keep until 9-10) that's why they want to treat them.</p> <p>DD doesn't drink any soda and maybe juice 1-2 times a month. So i'm pretty sure she just got the crap teeth gene from me.... although i'm 100% certain that by 6 i had wayyyyy more issues and things done (many fillings, teeth pulled, etc) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901094 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:55:02 +0000 Becky 2901094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Brushing kids teeth is so difficult. I will admit we often let our almost 6 year old brush on her own once per day, but we always make sure an adult does at least one very thorough brushing and that she flosses a few times a week. She was excited to do it all on her own once she turned 6 but then the new guidance came out. I can’t manage to get my fingers in her mouth to floss so I make sure she does a good job. I will say that the dentist always comments that it seems like she/we do a really good job brushing, and I remember my dentist as a kid saying that too (my mom took oral health seriously). Did your doctor give any indication of whether it seemed preventable through better oral care? With my one cavity which I got in high school they told me I couldn’t have prevented it—my teeth were just very grooved and a sealant had fallen out.</p> <p>Our dentist also said absolutely no gummy vitamins (no fruit snacks obv.). He said he saw an initial reduction in cavities with kids not drinking soda as much, but a big uptick after gummy vitamins became popular. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901092 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:49:36 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2901092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So one thing I learned only in the past year was that teeth can remineralize if you eat the right things. One specific suggestion is cod liver oil. Whenever I feel some sensitivity starting I just get really diligent about taking it and it helps a lot! It is safe to give kids too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901091 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:46:17 +0000 Ajsmommy 2901091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: good to know.. i'll be asking for hers to be sealed or whatever asap! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901090 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:38:36 +0000 bhbee 2901090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: yes different. Sounds like you are taking about her baby molars which won’t fall out until then. But around 6-7ish they get their first adult molars (sometimes called 6 year molars) behind those (and then later 12 year molars and wisdom teeth). Those don’t replace baby teeth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901089 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:30:24 +0000 Madison43 2901089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: genetics def play a big part. I’ve never had a cavity and I definitely wouldn’t have won any awards when I was younger for oral hygiene - my parents told us to brush, but I don’t remember them ever checking and I didn’t floss until I was an adult. But our dentist told us the same thing as a previous poster - until they are older, parents should do a follow up brushing. They also make a kids sonicare now - expensive but makes brushing so much easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901088 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:28:34 +0000 Ajsmommy 2901088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: question about what you said re "permanent molars".. you said your 7 yo had them sealed already?? The dentist told me that DD's areas were between her molars which she will keep until she is 9-10 yo? are these different …. to me it sounded like DD will have these molars until 9/10 then lose them and then her permanent ones will come in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901087 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:25:16 +0000 KT326 2901087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Cavities happen. I think as long as you start visiting the dentist regularly now, any will be caught super early. Our pediatric dentist applies a fluoride varnish every visit and even though we haven't been super great about flossing my almost 8 year old hasn't had a cavity yet. </p> <p>I think genetics plays a part too. I had a ton of cavities as a kid because I never flossed and only brushed once a day. My husband was the same as a kid and he didn't get any cavities until he hit his 30's! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901077 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 10:28:08 +0000 graceandjoy 2901077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD1 had I think 3 between 3.5-4. Def genetics, and I think in order to combat that we do have to be SUPER diligent. Dentist was great about getting them filled using just laughing gas. He said let's just make one 1-hr appt each time, he will do as much as fast as he can, then go from there. He managed to do everything in one appt. She always hated the dentist, I think laughing gas helped but it was rough towards the end. I had to hold her down (she laid on top of me), then she peed on me lol. But we got it done! </p> <p>We ended up switching dentist due to insurance change, and the new dentist have us flossing and applying mouth wash to her teeth/gums using cotton swap daily. So fingers crossed! </p> <p>I think between age 2-4 we are always challenged with teeth brushing. DD2 MAY have a cavity, and I think it's b/c on top of genetics, it's just SO hard to do a good job brushing teeth because they refuse, wiggle, etc.</p> <p>Edited to add, my almost 5 yr old now is REALLY good about doing all the steps everyday (and we still brush after she's done). I think she was traumatized by having cavities and also reading books/watching videos about it made her very diligent! Now if only my 3 yr old will follow suit... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901074 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 09:36:32 +0000 catgirl 2901074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I do think teeth issues are in large part genetic BUT I think it's always good to be really diligent. DD has gone to two different dentists and both say that parents need to do a follow up brushing until at least 8 years old. And that they need help flossing just as long. DD is almost 5 - her teeth are brushed twice a day - she brushes first and then either DH or I brush. We floss every other day normally (that's what her current dentist recommends). She doesn't really do it all, one of us does it. </p> <p>DH had horrible teeth as a kid and young adult, lots of cavities. But he really buckled down on brushing and flossing, and we bought nicer electric toothbrushes and he hasn't had a cavity since. I have never had a cavity but have always been crazy about brushing and flossing, though I also have always loved sugar! So far DD hasn't had a cavity but with DH's history we have been really diligent with her teeth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901073 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 09:29:06 +0000 bhbee 2901073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: I agree it’s probably genetic but you can combat that by creating good routines now and hopefully avoiding fear. I totally get slacking off I’m just lucky my kids have had good teeth so far. I just saw an ad for some toothbrush that has a game built in? Maybe there’s a way to make it all fun? </p> <p>Also I don’t know much about it but is silver nitrate an option if they’re just concerned/it’s not terrible? It stains but on molars wouldn’t matter I would think. Just way less invasive/scary. </p> <p>Also my 7yo had all her permanent molars sealed as they came in as a precaution so I’d definitely ask about that. It was routine and mostly covered by insurance. I wish I’d had that done (maybe didn’t exist 30 years ago?) because pretty much all my molars came in with problems and I’ve been treating them forever. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901070 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:46:54 +0000 Ajsmommy 2901070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: DD is 6 so we waited too long to go in the first place. And I hear you.. we try to brush twice a day but honestly some nights I don't even ask if she's done it.. and she only flosses if I ask her to, which I do ask her to a few times a week. I feel like for a 6 yo that's pretty good though :silly: I think I might be jaded too bc I HATE THE DENTIST and I have terrible teeth and I never get good news when I go. I am really sad to think DD might end up being like me :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901069 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:41:22 +0000 Anagram 2901069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: my youngest has already had 2 cavities (she's 4), and I think it's genetic. But also, once we found out she inherited my husband's problem teeth, we didn't go hard core on teeth cleaning, which we should have.</p> <p>Like, we were recommended to brush and floss 2x a day. We always try right after the dentist, but eventually we start forgetting about the flossing and then we somehow end up going a couple of weeks without flossing at all. It's hard!</p> <p>We were also told to never let the kids brush their own teeth without us doing a follow up, but I know my husband lets our 6 year old brush her own teeth a lot in the morning, because they are all rushing so much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-cavities#post-2901068 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:38:50 +0000 Ajsmommy 2901068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not sure how to feel right now. I finally took DD to her first dentist appt yesterday and she did great! </p> <p>DD had xrays done and they found 3 areas of "concern". They said between top molars on both sides and between one set of bottom molars. They said technically it counted as 6 cavities and since these are teeth they keep until 9-10 yo we should have them treated/filled.</p> <p>DD is pretty good about brushing her teeth and even flossing a few times a week so I feel like she's doing her part, I fear she just inherited my bad teeth. Or is this me being naïve? Do I need to just be more hard core about brushing/flossing?</p> <p>What is your experience? Did your kids have cavities? Do you think it was due to genes/hereditary or bc of circumstances/sugary things/bad brushing? What is "normal"??? Is it normal to have multiple cavities? I feel like the dentist is the one place that you go to and ALWAYS have something wrong... </p>