I am very proactiv about my sons teeth, and overall health. He is getting his two year molars right now, and I have been giving him the generic of infant Tylenol. My question is: is giving this to him after he's brushed his teeth and putting him back to sleep afterwards bad for his teeth? Can it cause tooth decay or cavities?
Have him sip some water to wash it down. That should probably take care of it. We found the Hyland's Teething tablets and Bioron (sp?) teething liquid vials. These didn't have the sugars in them and they seemed to have a better effect and longer lasting than using Tylenol. Also, ibuprofen will help with the swelling and last longer through the night than Tylenol. You can give the ibuprofen at bedtime and it will last for 8 or more hours.
As they have a large amount of high fructose corn syrup I would say yes it can cause cavities and decay. I would deffinitely do this before brushing, and if it happens in the middle of the night give him some water to drink to help wash it down.
I'm guessing that if you did it every night, it might. Then again, brushing his little swollen gums might be a bigger immediate problem. From years of working with kids, I'd say this: this one is negligable. Most often, kids this age get cavities from eating too many carbs (which help to feed the plaque-- carbs are sugars, too), drinking too much juice and other longer-lasting lifestyle habits. Plus the fact that, if you are putting him "back" to sleep, making him brush might make that more difficult (he might be more awakened),.... well, this is one I wouldn't sweat.
I agree with Ben 100%.
It has sweeteners in it so maybe.
If you're only doing it a day or two here and there, I wouldn't worry.
I wouldn't do it more than 3 times a month and not three days in a row.
Just to be on the cautious side.
