Hi All,
We have a challenge. Our daughter, unfortunately, is rather prone to cavities. We've modified her diet, banned juice, banned candy, flossed, brushed, added fluoride brushings, everything. Sadly, the cavities just keep coming. So, she has had three fillings so far. The first one when without incident. The second and third were an experience I never want to relive. She is usually happy and chatty and calm, but she freaked out last time, to the extent that she ripped the stuff out of her mouth, jumped out of the chair and ran down the hallway, wrestling three adults out of her way in the process. It was disturbing because I have NEVER seen her so unhinged, and because I had to sit on her and hold her down while they finished the fillings. It was a nightmare for everyone, and I truly can't do it again. At the time they mentioned she had one more little cavity in her molar (the cavities are all in her molars because she has deep grooves/crevices) that they need to fill. So--I need help before this appointment rolls around.
I think the issue is that she is a very aware child. So when they say, "We don't use needles! We tickle your teeth!" she doesn't trust it. She has friends, she goes to school. She has heard (even though we have avoided talking about it) that they use drills and needles. She also felt the novocaine the last time, which is what prompted the freakout--even with nitrous. So--should we just take a more "honest" approach with her? Like, "it will hurt, but only for 11 seconds?" After the last dramatic visit she even said, "If it's not so bad why are they lying about it?" I had no answer.
HELP! And thanks. :)
HI Everyone,
Thanks for the great responses. I have just made an appointment for her at Children's Hospital Boston's pediatric dentistry department. It sounds like they have a variety of approaches for different kids, whereas our current pediatric dentist is strictly a "we don't use needles and we tickle your teeth" kind of place. The advice to take her to a new place was fantastic. You are right. She completely associates that office with pain and drama. So if we start new somewhere else, we can break the cycle. On sealants, our current dentist had a "no sealants" policy for baby teeth...or maybe they don't seal teeth that have already been filled. Either way, I think this move will be a good one, if for no other reason than it will be a new environment and a fresh start. And, I do think honesty is the way to go from here on out. Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate it!
Hi E.,
I am 37 and just realized through a discussion with my new dentist that I am allergic to epinephren (sp?) Epinephren is in most novicaine. I never took novicaine as a child and when I had my wisdom teeth removed last year. I completely freaked out and had a HUGE anxiouty attack, ( an experience I never want to repeat) My advice is to ask her Dr/dentist to use novicain without EPI.
Good Luck!
FYI, you can't be 'allergic' to epinephrine. It's a substance that occurs naturally in the body...called adrenaline. Same thing. A quick dose of it CAN make you anxious, though, because adrenaline is what causes those 'fight or flight' sensations. It's incorrect, however, to term it as an allergy.
First of all...make sure she only has water after brushing her teeth at night. "You" should be the one to brush them at night and let her brush in the morning. Tell her that you're not going to let any "sugar bugs" (I called them) come upon her teeth because she could get a cavity from them. Play dentist with her. Let her be the dentist first. Lay down and let her count your teeth and look with a flashlight to see if there's anything you missed. Tell her to brush it off if there is. Then it's your turn. First count her teeth as you brush each one good. It's fun. Make a game out of it. Try not to take too long either to lose her interest. Then...if she's 5, don't even bother filling any teeth that are going to fall out soon anyway. They want your money. My 4 children's did with no problems. Their second teeth do not have any cavities now either.
Good Luck and make sure she eats well as you seem to already know. Google what's good for your teeth and natural remedies for preventing cavities.
Then you won't have to even think about what to do next time because she may not need anything but a cleaning.
Let her come to your cleanings and sit with you before she has her next cleaning. She will get more used to it and know it's OK.
S.
My advice is to look for a pediatric dentist. My daughter freaked out the first time she had to have a filling (at 4), so much so they couldn't finish! They recommended a pediatric dentist. They had one large room with 5-6 chairs and it was covered in clowns and balloons, there were arcade games between the chairs, it looked like a circus and was distracting for the her so she didn't even realize when the novicane was given. My daughter came out beaming after 2 fillings and only 45 mins. She got some surprises and had played 2 or 3 of the video games, she loved it and still asks to go there if she needs a filling (thankfully she hasn't yet) and she's 12. If you're in Maine I can give you the name and number of the dentist.
YES, be honest! I have noticed that when my children get shots at the doctor's office, the nurse they do best with is the one who is honest. He tells them it will hurt, but he knows they can handle it because they're tough and it will keep them healthy. When a nurse says it won't hurt and then it does, there are a lot more tears, etc... I have started requesting the honest nurse, because the kids don't respond well to sugar coating pain.
I am a SAHM with my 5th child on the way.
Maybe your ped can give you something to help w/ the anxiety when you go because nitrous doesn't work to help calm severe anxiety and it can also have the opposite effect on some just like other meds.
At 5 you should be able to talk to her about what will really happen. I know our dentist numbs the area before using the novocaine but not all do did they do this if they did it right she shouldn't have been able to feel it. Or dentist checks first before sticking w/the needle. Are they on permanent molars? I'm not for sealant but if they are on permanent molars that might be something to consider since she is so prone to cavaties. Make sure ask for bpa free ones if you have her get them. But she also has to cooporate w/ them to get it done other wise you won't get a good seal and will end up w/ worse cavaties because it will get under the seal.
My advice would be to find a new dentist that offers sedation dentistry for your daughter's fillings. I am alos surprised that you didn't mention whether or not they have coated her teeth. My daughter also has deep grooves as do I and because of that they coated her teeth with a special coating to help prevent cavities from forming. Is this a family dentist or do they specialize in pediatric dentistry? My daughter has high anxiety about everything and knowing that I specifically sought out a pediatric dentist. It is a much better experience than someone who is just a regular dentist. I have found that even if you do talk about the details of the procedure, it doesn't help a child that has a fear of it. It may be better to be honest about the situation, but it doesn't guarantee a more positive reaction.
Don't LIE!! My daughter has the same problem. We just went through an oral surgery because she had so many and needed two teeth pulled. It was awful. Many Dr's act like you do not care for your childs teeth. I am obessed with brushing them. She is even on a prescription toothpaste. Make sure your daughter gets on a Flouride suppliment. Which is presecribed but make sure you do not have an Fluoride in your water first.
For the actual appoinment I bribed my daughter! We brought her to Build a Bear afte her App. or bring her before so she can bring her new bear with her. It is scary, but always be truthful. I had to sedate my daughter. It was horrible. I am not sure what to do for preventative either. I feel awful. My daughetrs mouth is a mess. Where do you live? I know a great dentist that works with problems cases. But he only will fix the problems not keep them on as patients. HE is greta with them though. My daughter loves him. he is known for helping people who are scared. If u find out anything about preventative let me know too! Keep in tough! Here is my email:
____@____.com
I have had a few small cavities filled without the use of novocaine. I wouldn't say it hurt, but there were a few "zings" when a nerve was hit. It was not a prolonged sensation.
Your daughter now has a pretty clear idea about the "truth" of having teeth filled so you might as well have an honest conversation.
Good luck,
J.
Stay away from the nitrous oxide!!! It flipped me out as a child. Everyone insisted I was fine, could feel no pain and was supposed to be happy. I can tell you I was NOT happy and am now a 53 yr old who never goes to the dentist because of the terror I still remember so clearly. I will never understand why dentists lie about how things are going to feel. Talk to the dentist ahead of time and let them know she is going to flip out and it it their fault for lying to her, she is small, not stupid. Good luck...
Hi,
I feel so bad for your daughter AND you, the only suggestion I have is a bit more on trying to prevent the cavities. My daughters have deep cracks and crevices. Our dentist told us that's a genetic trait (explains why I have so many fillings). Anyway, we used to go crazy. Brushing wouldn't get stuff out. Often I'd need them to chew a piece of sugarless gum to try to get way in there and pull out whatever was in their teeth. Finally, we got sealants. Allelujah! We have so far - knock on wood - never had a cavity, even with those deep cracks and crevices. Brushing is so much easier. I'd really find out about it. Another suggestion, although I'm sure it's not the dentist's fault, it may just be easier to start fresh with someone new. Also, I think your gut about the honest approach with her is probably what would work best with your child. Good luck!
I feel your pain, and it looks like you have been given a lot of good advice and have switched dentists. which would have been # 1 on my list. I have a very observant little 5 year old myself. He has sensory issues, and tactile sensitivity, so it has been a treat for us as well when going to the dentist! What has helped us is using an ipod for him to listen to, while he is getting worked on. It keeps him calm, and the noises aren't as bothersome. I also ask the dentist to pretend to be cleaning my teeth and using their tools on me first, so he sees what the dentist will be doing to him. That also helps. Good Luck!
West Roxbury Pediatric Dentist - Dr. Joli Hami
I think, at this point, you need to look at switching dentists. Whatever they are doing isn't working with your daughter. It may not be their fault, but I think there's something to be said for trying a new place just for her peace of mind. She needs to go into another setting. I don't understand why you are not doing sealants. I've heard some people say that we need to go all-natural, but she shouldn't be having so many cavities. I think nitrous is not always a good idea - some people react badly to it. Perhaps you can meet with a new dentist first and/or have your daughter their for a consult only, no procedures. Ask, without her there, how they handle kids who have felt traumatized in the past. Perhaps he/she could explain to your daughter that they need to "paint" her teeth so she doesn't get any more cavities. Some dentists have a large treatment room with several chairs - perhaps your daughter could observe a number of kids getting worked on with no screams and no trauma - that might reassure her. The large open space might help - some kids feel so enclosed in a big chair in a small room with a hygienist or assistant looming over them. Perhaps their masks frighten her too. I also agree that they must be honest with her - none of this "tickle the teeth" stuff that isn't going to work for her. When my son was younger, we used 2 different dentists -- one had a waiting room full of old video games like PacMan, and the kids often went 30 minutes before their appointment so they could play. Then they were invited to stay afterwards as long as they wanted to play games. It turned it into a great experience. Another dentist had 2 gentle hypoallergenic dogs (I forget what they were now, maybe Maltese) - the kids could choose which dog sat with them in the chair for a while. It was unusual but effective and very calming. The staff took an instant picture of the kid with the dog and gave it as a souvenir. Again, it was more fun than the typical treasure chest prize and a sticker. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to someone new, and then interview that referral. Good luck!
I'm not a pediatric dentist (specializes in children) but my husband is. From what I hear from him, it is actually better to be honest with your child than lie to them for all the reasons you mentioned above. Children deserve to be treated like the people that they are, and to have honest conversations with them, gives them that respect. YOu might also want to have an honest conversation with her about the condition of her teeth and explain to why she is getting the work done that they are reccomending. IF you don't feel very equipped to do that well, a visit to a pediatric dentist - specially trained in working with young children and diagnosing and treating problems with them, could go a long way toward educating her (and you). From what I hear, dental problems, if not treated, can become quite severe. Stopping the halt of caries (cavities) before they progress to infections is very very beneficial and will save your daughter from having to go to surgery and having teeth extracted - which in the long run, were that to occur, could potentially affect the structure of her developing mouth, smile and predicate need for orthodontic work later...I never knew any of this before my husband started dental school.
