When I brush Ian's teeth (which is a real challenge, as he totally hates it), I can see cavities on her lower molars.  This really concerns me, as Gracie had A LOT of problems with her teeth when she was younger and ended up having to have MAJOR dental surgery when she was 4 years old (she had 15 cavities, one tooth which turned out to be absessed and had to be taken out completely).  Anyway, since the surgery, she hasn't had any problems ~ "no cavities" every six months~ praise the Lord.

Anyway, the  girls had their dental appointments this morning and I asked the dentist to take a peek in Ian's mouth.  He said he can clearly see 3 cavities and suspects that there may be more.  He attributed it to hygeine and diet;  however, his partner had told me that Gracie's problems were most likely a result of no prenatal care in Vietnam and early diet there.  I would like to think that these are the contributing factors to Ian's problems also.  (On our last visit to Vietnam, both my mom and I were amazed to look around and realize how many Vietnamese people have rotten teeth~ so it could  very well be genetic also, I suppose). 

What do you do for a 2 year old with cavities?  One option is to wait it out until he's a bit older.  But, the problem is that Ian is coming to me on occasion, holding his cheek, and saying "teeth".  This, to me, indicates that he's having pain.  Second option~ dental surgery!  Ugh!  My baby!  They would put him to sleep, do the x-rays, fix all the problems, and do a thorough cleaning and flouride treatment.  The cost is horrendous, and we don't have dental coverage. 

Anyway, surgery will probably be scheduled for September sometime.  Please pray for Ian that he doesn't experience much pain until that time; and for me, not to worry about him and entrust him to God's care.

Share Your Thoughts

Jun. 17, 2008 - Teeth

Posted by tn3jcarter

Some of my friends have kids who've had problems with their teeth. Both of them have been told that their issues are genetic so I'd say to try and find a really good dentist. Do the dental surgery if that's what is needed, but also look into xylitol and some of the other alternative toothpaste kind of things. Some of them are actually supposed to help to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. That was the main problem for both of my friends' kids. Their enamel just wasn't any good.

Share Link

Jun. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by HandsRaisedToHeaven

Awww...poor guy. That doesn't sound too fun. I don't have any advice on what to do with the cavaties but what about using one of those electric toothbrushes for just every day brushing? My brother-in-law's wife uses that for their 2 year old son. He is always so excited.

Hope you're doing ok while Gracie is gone. The first time the boys go away to some type of camp I am going to be *so* sad. :( Maybe we can put that off until they are 20!

Share Link

Jun. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Hi Heidi
Sarah has two little cavities. Emily and Audrey never had problems with their teeth this early own. Now Audrey did have to have 2 teeth filled due to the fact that they did not form correctly and food would sit inside the tooth pic things since she couldn't get it out with just brushing. I asked about Sarah we brush her teeth and she brushes them all the time with Emily and Audrey and I just do not understand. One of the questions they did ask me was if she had acid reflux. My dentist tried to fix it but she freaked out when he came toward her with one of the tools. She sat and let him give her the shot for numbing. He has refered us to a pediatric dentist. I was in yesterday for a problem with a tooth of mine and talked to his assistant about Sarah and she said that more than liekly they would not let me or David go back with her when they fix it. Oh, it's just gonna kill me! Her appointment is July 16th ~ I dread it! She has not complained with it hurting at all. Poor Ian! I can't imagine one so small having a toothach they are awful and very painful!
Hugs,
Michelle
(rlwblog)

Share Link