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Q

10 Month Old Has Tooth Growing in Wrong...

Denver, CO

My daughter was born with two bottom teeth and then by the time she was 6 months old she got seven more. She is going to be 11 months old and she got four more. This time though one is growing in right between the top right tooth and her roof of her mouth. What should I do? Should I take her to the dentist? Or just let it be?

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Q

Brushing Our 3 Year Old's Teeth

Washington DC, MD

Please let me know if you have this problem and how you handled it. I'll be as brief as I can be. I'm home with our son full time. When my husband gets home we have dinner and he has play time and then he does the bedtime routine with our son. Pretty frequently when it's time to brush teeth Jameson throws a fit. Cries, Wails, fights. It wasn't always like this - he's never really liked it but you have to brush the teeth. My husband feels terrible and last night he asked me to submit a request on Mamasource to find out how to keep this from being traumatic. He fears he's creating a negative experience to teeth brushing. We have tried having him brush Daddy's teeth while Daddy brushes his. We have tried brushing teddy bear's. We're not sure how to turn this around to be a happy thing again. I'd really like for my Hubby to have a routine to complete with him. I think it's important since all the other daily routines fall on me. It's the only time I get a break. I told him he was just going to have to find his strategy with it. I've made suggestions. I had to find my way through a lot of things with each stage of development so that my son and I weren't butting heads daily. I've told my husband that I had to stop trying to get things done like I was dealing with an adult, realize I'm dealing with a 3 yr old and figure out how to get his cooperation. I've REALLY had to slow myself down and understand my 3 yr old. It's worked. Any strategies to impart to my husband on this?? I don't want our son to hate doing something that is so vital to health everyday. Thanks! S.

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Q

Dental Advice

Topeka, KS

My 13 month old son has started grinding his teeth. He has three teeth on the bottom and he has his fangs (if you will)that came in next and now the front two are just starting to come through. I am not sure if this is just because those teeth are coming in and it feels good on his gums. Should I take him to the dentist? I am just a little concerned that this will become a habit that will be hard to break. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop this? Thanks in advance for the advice.

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Q

Experience with Device to Stop Grinding Teeth

San Francisco, CA

I have been a teeth grinder my entire life. I don't do it every night, just now and then. My dentist has recommended a small device, I believed it is called NTI, which snaps in place between my front teeth to stop grinding. He says using it for a couple weeks will be enough to stop the grinding for awhile (and I'll just need to use it when I start grinding again). Of course my insurance does not cover it and it costs $430. Has anyone had any experience with these things before?

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Q

Fluoride or No Fluoride?

Appleton, WI

My friend and I were discussing oral healthcare for our toddlers today. I use the same toothpaste on both my toddlers as I do on myself. I have been using fluoride toothpaste with both of them pretty much since they've had teeth. My dentist actually recommended that I do this. He says if I just used a tiny bit that it won't harm my children...and it will do a lot of good.. Some websites agree with his viewpoint, while others completely disagree and say to use a non-fluoride toothpaste till they are old enough to spit it out. I feel like there is no black or white answer here...but I would like some opinions from some other moms. I tend to have cavity-prone teeth...and since it is likely that the child will get the bacteria from the mom's mouth, they might too...which is one reason my dentist claimed this was really important, especially for my kids. Some opinions, please??

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Q

Help, My 2 1/2 Year Old Daughter Grinds Her Teeth So Bad at Night, Any Advice?

Los Angeles, CA

Is teeth grinding hereditary? My two younger daughters have major grinding problems while sleeping. My 8 year old used to grind her teeth so bad in her sleep that her two front teeth were so short, they were literally centimeters below the gum line. I was afraid she would have dental problems. I asked the dentist and was told when they're that young there is nothing they can really do, especially since they were baby teeth. I was told when her big teeth come in if it's still an issue they could fit her for night time mouth guards. Well her baby teeth came out fine despite my worries and are now replaced by her adult teeth. Fortunately I don't think she grinds anymore, at least I don't hear it and her teeth haven’t shortened. BUT.....now my 2 1/2 year old daughter grinds her teeth so bad I wake up in the middle of the night (it doesn't help that she sleeps with us). It seems as if it's her back teeth that she's grinding, not the front ones. It is so loud and painful sounding, I can't bare it anymore. I try to stick my finger in her mouth and pry open her jaw but she whines and fusses in her sleep then goes back to grinding. Has anyone else encountered such terrible teeth grinding? Any help, suggestions or solutions? I'm not trying to save my sleepless nights but instead I'm trying, crossing my fingers, that there is something I can do to stop her teeth grinding habit in hopes to prevent any future dental issues or even jaw pain. Any help and suggestions are appreciated but please don't email me any negative comments. Thank you!

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Q

Keeping up Good Dental Habits.

Athens, GA

I have a two and a half year old boy and I have been brushing his teeth since they appeared and until he could take over. He has always liked it, even though his coordination makes him a little clumsy at it. Lately he has given up on brushing them and just sucks on the toothbrush. If I show him, brush mine with him, he might do one brush across the front teeth and then he's through. And forget about doing it for him. Should I be concerned or just go with the flow and he'll get the hang of it soon enough? Any suggestions?

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Q

Looking for Dental Insurance

Dallas, TX

My husband is a contractor and I am a SAHM. We recently found health insurance coverage that we are happy with but the agent we were using didn't recommend their dental coverage. He said your savings wasn't worth the premium so I was hoping maybe someone in a similar position as me could recommend dental insurance that you are happy with. Just as a note, I have a 8 year old that is looking at needing braces in a couple of years if anyone has a plan that covers braces. Thanks!

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Q

Looking for Pediatric Dentist

San Francisco, CA

Hi Mom's: I need your help in finding a pediatric dentist in the Bay Area preferably Fremont area but I do not mind driving to San Jose if you can suggest a good dentist there. My son is 18 month old and we have not been to the dentist yet. I personally do not like to go to the dentist myself due to bad experiences during my childhood. Therefore I am committed to find a good pediatric dentist for my son, to ensure that he will have a more pleasent experience. Thanks so much for your help.

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Q

My 4 Year Olds Teeth Are Falling Out Already

New York, NJ

My son is 4 years old, and today we discovered his two bottom teeth are very loose. I looked it up online, it said and he’s not supposed to lose his teeth until age 6!! I am just wondering if any other mothers have had kids whose teeth came out early... And if so, did their perm teeth come right in, or did they come in way later at the time they were scheduled to come.

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Q

My Almost 7 Yr Old Daughter Is Just Getting Her 6 Yr Molars

San Francisco, CA

Finally they are coming in. They have not broken the gums just yet, but all 4 molars are puffy and she is complaining it hurts real bad according to her. She said it hurts to open her mouth to talk. I touched them and they are so swollen. I am not sure what I can or can not do. Not that there is even that much that can be done. any suggestion mom out there. Help Me Help Me!!

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Q

Need a Dentist Good with 1 Year Old

San Antonio, TX

My daughter is 14 months and I've put off her 1st dentist visit cause I dont know of any good ones. All of my dentists are male and not old but they would scare my daughter. And what do they do for the first visit. I dont know if she will open her mouth for anyone cause she barely opens up for me!

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Q

Need Good Dentist for Big Chicken... LOL

Dallas, TX

I'm in need of some serious dental work. I've neglected my teeth for far too long and didn't care for them well when I was younger. I haven't been to a dentist in ages and to be honest, I'm very leary (read: scared) of going to one now. My teeth are very sensitive and I'm a big chicken when it comes to letting them do anything that is going to hurt (which I'm sure it will since my mouth is in such bad shape). I do have dental insurance (Delta Dental) so that's not an issue. I can see anyone I want but a dentist on their network would be a little cheaper for me. I need a dentist that is not afraid to use laughing gas or otherwise knock me out or something! Are there any fellow "big chickens" out there that could recommend a dentist that will be gentle and patient with me? (And who will preferably not spend all day lecturing me about how I should have been taking care of my teeth in the past - I know that and I'm trying to fix it now!)

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Q

No Enamel on Permanent Teeth

Dallas, TX

I took my 6 y/o son to the dentist and she said his 6 year molars had no enamel on them, she said this happens to some children when they take antibiotics (namely amoxill) before age 2. His baby teeth are fine. In doing more thinking, I wonder if all of his adult teeth will be affected and what will have to be done. Anyone have this issue? Thanks mommies!

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Q

No Insurance- but Still Need a Good Dentist!

Dallas, TX

My husband and I own our own business and health insurance is so expensive, we had to skip dental. We live in Allen and are looking for a good dentist that might give a discount for cash paying customers. It looks like I will need a crown soon and I would like someone symathetic because I'm not fond of pain! Thanks for any help you can give.

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Q

Pacifer Help!

Houston, TX

My granddaughter is 21 months old and uses a pacifer. She screams when you try to take it away from her. She talks with a pacifer in her mouth. What can I Do to help my daughter get my granddaughter over this?

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Q

Painful TMJ -Need Some Help Please!!

Dallas, TX

Hi All, My dentist can no longer work on me because my jaw locks! This disorder has gotten worse over the years and I don't know why. I saw a neurologist last week who said my left side was out of socket and I may need Bioesthetic Dentistry. Well, that would mean a custom made splint and $15,000 of work to "correct the bite. I'm so confused and just want the pain to stop. Thanks for any advice you can give. E.~

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Q

Pediatric Dentist

San Francisco, CA

My daughter is 2 years 9 mo. and has not yet been to a dentist. She went with me to my last cleaning to familiarize her with the concept. My question is this, is she too young to see a dentist yet, or at what age do they start? And can anyone reccomend a good children's dentise in the Vacaville area. Although I love my dentist and he does see children, I feel like one that specializes in children may be a better fit. Thanks for the help.

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Q

Pediatric Dentist Recommendation

Tampa, FL

Hello, My pediatrician recommended I take my son for his first dental check up when he turned 2. I have gotten some names of Dr's near where I live (LOL) but none of them are a preferred provider for United Healthcare dental. They say they accept United, but that I would have to pay the difference when they negotiate the bill. I know it wouldn't probably be very expensive at this point, but it might start getting pricey years down the road. I would kinda like to start him somewhere that I can go for years to come and not have to pay an arm and a leg to do it. I called United Healthcare and they emailed me a list of preferred providers in the area. I was wondering if any of you had any experiences with them, good or bad. Any recommendations would be very appreciated:). Below is the list of dentists I have to choose from. Natalie J. Carr (N. Dale Mabry), Michael J. Ruelf (W. Fletcher Ave), Erika P. James/Frank Pettinato (N. Dale Mabry), Vicki M. Lindauer (N. Dale Mabry), Daniel Wahba (W. Hillsborough Ave), Michael T. Cobbe/ Stephen H. Jensen/ Farah Poustchi-Amin (Forest Ave-New Port Richey)

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Q

Pediatric Dentist? Excema?(random Q)

Dallas, TX

I am looking for a pediatric dentist for my 3 year old in the Plano, Richardson area...any suggestions? Also, my 2 year old is having a horrible time right now w/ his excema. The back of his legs are chaffed, blistered and itchy. he complains "they hurt and itch!" I feel like we have tried everything...any one have any suggestions for a miracle cream or cure?!

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Q

Re:baby Teeth

Dallas, TX

I have a question about my son. he just turned 8 months and he is advanced in every thing from crawling, talking and walking. He just doesn't have his teeth in. When should he get them? If anyone has any ideas or responses let me know.. Thanks

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Q

Seeking Dentist in McKinney, TX

Dallas, TX

I am looking for dentist in McKinney for my family which includes an 11 year old. Has anyone gone to the Monarch Dental facilities in McKinney? I am particularly interested in any feedback (positive or negative) on Jeremy McKinnis, Mitchell Rosen or Jonathon Almy since they are currently accepting patients. I need to make a decision as soon as possible (before the end of the week)

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Q

Seeking Good Dentist in Denton area...Good Experiences with Monarch Dental??

Dallas, TX

We just moved here and have a DMO insurance plan through my husband's employer. Unfortunately their are not a lot of dentists taking this insurance anymore so the only dentist in town taking this is Monarch Dental. My husband and I had bad experiences with them in the Golden Triangle Mall location and WON'T go back - very lazy, rude, and kept making mistakes with our appointment times. Anyone been to the Monarch Dental in Corinth or Lewisville? I have seen their commercials on TV and they look like a reputable place but the Denton location was dirty and kinda sketcy. I have some cavities that need filled and my husband has other dental work that we need to get done sooner than later. Thanks!!

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Q

Son Has a FIT When We Brush His Teeth

Chicago, IL

My 17 month old son has an absolute FIT when we try and brush his teeth. Hysterical crying, breath holding until he turns purple etc. The only way we can seem to get the job done is to literally put him in a headlock, hold his arms down, and brush his teeth. It's painful every time we do it. I've tried new toothbrushes, toothpaste, letting him do it himself (he throws the toothbrush), using MY toothbrush, demonstrating on myself and brushing his teeth at the same time, etc. Nothing seems to work. As soon as he sees a toothbrush coming towards him or hears the words "brush your teeth" he starts shaking his head and saying "no". Any ideas? This is ridiculous. He's completely fine once we're done, btw.

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Q

Teething

Modesto, CA

My son is 6 1/2 months old and has been drooling constantly for the past 2 1/2 months, he is cutting his first tooth on the bottom. He has a very bad rash on his cheeks and under his chin that the doctor said is from drooling and just to keep it clean with plain water, however, this is not working and he is learning how to scratch his chin. I have tried some aveeno anti itch cream, but nothing seems to be working, any ideas?

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Q

Thumb Sucker

Boston, NH

Hi, my daughter is 3 and will not take her thumb out of her mouth other than to eat. We talked to her about it, told her how it might hurt her teeth and that she is no longer a baby and doesn't need her thumb...she tells us she's only going to do it at bedtime, as she puts it back in her mouth. Any ideas of how we can get it out of there for good. Thanks a bunch.

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Q

Tooth Decay in My 3 Year Old

Los Angeles, CA

Does anyone out there know the name of the prescription gel that is used to prevent further tooth decay in children? i know it is in a very small tube but I cannot remeber the name. Maybe it starts with the letter A? not sure thanks for the help

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