https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 27 May 2026 16:13:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2526004 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 11:37:54 +0000 MoonMoon 2526004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: I agree you might have to take some measures because some cavities might have already started! Definitely brushing with fluoride toothpaste. I do recommend the xylitol wipes, for after nursing or after eating, like if you're out and can't brush. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525867 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 09:37:12 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: well I didn't start night weaning last night. I thought about wiping his teeth after he went to sleep but I didn't do that either. I brushed his teeth the second he woke up though and I plan to brush before and after nap. I still feel so torn about night weaning! I would love to do it a gentle gradual way but I just don't know what that is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525865 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 09:35:07 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525865@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Myicitygirl: I think he used to but he didn't really understand how important it was. Maybe it's his fault! Lol. No but seriously, baby used to let us brush his teeth, then he started fighting it so even I wouldn't do it every night. But then as he got more and more teeth I realized I better get serious about it, and I told my husband, but he was still lazy about forcing it. No longer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525614 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 06:21:24 +0000 pachamama 2525614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: Carby snacks are also a particular favorite of mine right now too lol! That and dark chocolate </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525588 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 02:57:31 +0000 Myicitygirl 2525588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: why doesnt your DH brush your LO's teeth? Has he not done night brushings 3 nights a week for as long as LO has had teeth? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525558 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 22:44:48 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MoonMoon: this is super helpful. I honestly don't know if I am ready to night wean him! Very interesting about the seltzer... I was thinking of offering him seltzer to mix it up! Would you suggest trying the wipes? They sound very interesting. </p> <p>The thing about my experience is that I can see the starting of decay and it's really worrying me. It actually does look better after the short cleaning the dentist was able to do! The other thing is that the dentist was really nice and kept saying it's not your fault, I am surprised because breastfeeding doesn't do this. But then she still suggested night weaning. </p> <p>I strongly suspect these carby snacks are the culprit but I worry that since we have a problem, night nursing could make it worse. Like perhaps the breast milk wouldn't cause breakdown in the enamel but if there are already cracks... Or something like that. Sigh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525532 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 21:49:26 +0000 MoonMoon 2525532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had a similar experience when we took LO to his first dentist appointment. He didn't even have any cavities, but the dentist practically yelled at me for nursing him to sleep and nursing him overnight. She suggested I go stay in a hotel room to night wean him (haha!). He wasn't 2 yet, and I wasn't ready to night wean him, so I decided to compromise. We cut out carby snacks and juice and seltzer (seltzer is acidic for teeth- I didn't know), we became religious about brushing twice a day with fluoride, giving him more tap water (fluoridated), flossing every night, and I ordered some xylitol wipes to wipe his teeth after nursing. DH and I also became more strict about not sharing utensils with him, since cavity bacteria can be transferred orally (ew!) We also bought some xylitol gum for us.</p> <p>6 months later at his next check up, the dentist said everything looked perfect. Even though she was kind of rude/aggressive about it, I did learn that breastfeeding doesn't protect from cavities, especially after a year, so we became proactive.</p> <p>He's still nursing now at almost 3 (though he is night weaned now), and we're super strict about dental hygiene and snacks. That was a compromise that worked for me.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525502 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:58:16 +0000 gingerbebe 2525502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've been using fluoride toothpaste for a while now. Pediatrician gave me fluoride drops for his water when he was 6 months old (which I was too lazy and forgetful to do consistently) so when he turned 14 months or so I switched from training paste to fluoride paste. Figured ingesting a little wasn't going to be a big deal if I was supposed to fluoridate this water! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525472 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:27:42 +0000 KT326 2525472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: I don't think you can heal cavities but you can keep them from getting worse. I had a cavity that was really small and we just monitored it for about a year. Then it started getting worse so I got a filling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525470 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:27:21 +0000 catomd00 2525470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: my dads a dentist and he says a grain of rice size of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day is beyond safe for them! I didn't stop using fluoridated toothpaste, just the prescription one with extra fluoride! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525464 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:23:30 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have any opinions about the theory of healing cavities with diet? I kinda think it's hogwash but at the same time... What if it worked? I vaguely remember seeing a blog post about it but didn't see it in my quick search. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525462 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:21:52 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: I hope not for you guys. Now I can proceed to worry about his newly emerged molars! </p> <p>@KT326: thank you! I just wish I took him earlier. Like the second I saw anything suspicious. I still just thought it was plaque but not whenever I catch a glimpse it seems so obviously worse.</p> <p> @magnolia: I know. I was kinda resigning myself to wait till he's older to truly understand. Despite the difficulty of all that waiting. @regberadaisy: no they didn't! This is making me surprised my teeth aren't worse than they already are. Haha</p> <p>@catomd00: she did recommend we use fluoridated toothpaste once per day. I am starting for sure. So you stopped using fluoride when you were pregnant and nursing? Interesting! Sorry about the cavities :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525442 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:02:19 +0000 catomd00 2525442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: I was going to suggest maybe sleeping in another room depending on how it goes! Night weaning wasn't a magic bullet for slee but it definitely improved a lot! Hopefully you have the same experience! Are you using fluoridated toothpaste? If not I would recommend it. I naturally have cavity prone teeth no matter what I do and the thing that helped the most was switching to a Rx toothpaste with higher fluoride content. So, adding in a little if you don't already might help. I haven't used the toothpaste in over 3 years due to pregnancy and nursing and pregnancy again, and consequently after having many years of no cavities while on it, I have had two pop up since then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525404 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:22:10 +0000 regberadaisy 2525404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: did your dentist tell you about the surprising things to watch out for? Like gummy (stay away from gummy vitamins!), tacky candies, chocolate milk is a big one too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525384 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:06:50 +0000 magnolia 2525384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: we just bottle weaned for the Same reason, worried about tooth decay at 16 months. But he is also addicted to the boob and night nursing/nursing to sleep. if you figure out any magical tips for night weaning please let me know. I feel like it's never going to happen :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525359 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 18:21:41 +0000 Cole 2525359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have an appointment in two weeks and I am so scared we're going to be in a similar spot. Her molars- which she hasn't even had that long, each has a little black dot on top. The grooves are visibly very deep there so it's hard to even brush them effectively. We still nurse/co sleep and I am worried about that as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525328 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 18:01:11 +0000 KT326 2525328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anything that can stick to the teeth can cause decay. Fruit snacks, peanut butter, carbs (like crackers), dried fruit. </p> <p>Our pediatrician told us to make sure he gets plenty of water to drink when he eats these things, it makes it less likely they will stick to his teeth.</p> <p>Don't feel bad! You saw it, and you took him in! So now you know what to look for and you can move on from here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525272 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:58:13 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catomd00: that's what I am thinking. And hoping it has a good affect on the rest of the night if he doesn't nurse to sleep. I was also thinking about sleeping in the other room... Seems a little drastic!</p> <p>Interestingly enough, after this post, he didn't wake up from his nap at the usual point and need to be nursed back to sleep! He slept almost the normal length of time as well! How awesome Would it be if he suddenly just started sleeping through? Granted, I nursed him to sleep for nap, but if he isn't sleep nursing for a good part of the nap I think that might be ok? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525245 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:33:51 +0000 catomd00 2525245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Granted we didn't bed share, but I found it easier to wean the before bed feed first, then tackle the MOTN. We just had DH go in at first for about a week. Then, I'd offer water and cuddles but say there was no milk until morning. It was only a few nights of short lived freak outs before she caught on. Good luck! Hope it's an easy transition for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525244 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:33:31 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: thank you. And I agree about the carby snacks... Honestly we've been going to town on them lately, all three of us! @Foodnerd81: I am trying to think of what to give him in the stroller now. Pouch? Flows past his teeth almost like a bottle. Fruit? Natural sugars. Carrots? Lol</p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I believe it! Plus starch is basically sugar, I think the enzymes in your saliva start breaking it down right away! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525240 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:27:10 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2525240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bet the carby snacks are loaded with sugar. I did a science fair project as a kid to see which was worse acid or sugar on teeth. Sugar was awful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525225 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:05:33 +0000 Foodnerd81 2525225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had no idea carby snacks were that bad. I actually purposely give her something crunchy along with raisins because I thought it would help get the sticky raisins or of her teeth... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525203 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:51:30 +0000 pachamama 2525203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't feel guilty about breastfeeding. Would eliminating processed foods during the day help? I've read that that's really bad for young teeth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525187 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:29:25 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>ew I don't advise anyone to google image baby bottle mouth. Don't ask me why I did. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525186 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:29:05 +0000 autumnlove 2525186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I brush and floss my kids teeth and LO 2 still had tartar buildup in the back. Her dentist removed it but told me to spend more time flossing! :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525185 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:28:27 +0000 snowjewelz 2525185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: I def had my share of cavities. So don't feel too bad, since apparently I am totally unprepared and not doing a good job either!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525183 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:26:58 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I am thinking hard about fruit now too, but it doesn't seem to stick to the teeth as much? Chances are her teeth are fine, especially if you guys aren't prone to cavities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525182 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:26:10 +0000 psw27 2525182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Eek I've been dilly dallying about bringing LO to the dentist (he is 20 months!) and now you've scared me and I'm making an appointment. I am not a stickler about brushing his teeth well... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525180 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:25:39 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2525180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Raindrop: Thank you for the :heart:. It really helps. I think something about their oral hygiene feels so... personal, like I am gonna be the parent everyone judges with all metal front teeth. I mean I try not to judge other parents of course, but you know what I mean. I believe it with the carby snacks! They seem like glue almost, especially the way he slowly munches them down. It's been my way of getting him to ride in the stroller, which he didn't like before, once baby wearing busted my shoulders! Now to think of some non carby snacks that he can eat semi neatly that won't stick to the teeth so much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/teeth-decay-in-toddlers#post-2525178 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:24:42 +0000 snowjewelz 2525178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: Ahh ok totally making appt now. She doesn't even eat sweet stuff besides fruit, but if carbs can do it too, then we're in trouble!! </p>