Four Year Old With Visibly Rotting Teeth....

[youretooloud]

One of my girls had several teeth pulled a few months back.

Lately, she's been saying "I can't eat that, it makes my teeth hurt". So, a few weeks ago, I looked really close in her mouth, and at least four of her back bottom teeth are rotting. I bought a child's toothbrush and had her brush really well, then even chew gum, and I looked again, they were still black. So, I told mom "Her teeth hurt again, and I think I can see cavities".

I mentioned it again Tuesday, and today, her mom said "We can't afford to have the rest of her teeth pulled, and I just don't want to go through it again". I can understand that completely... I hated getting braces put on my kids, I can't imagine dealing with this. But, I suggested they at least GO see a dentist... maybe it's just a matter of fillings. Because they were just in the dentist about two months ago. How can it have gone bad so quickly?

She just brushed me off. I am pretty sure they have no intentions of fixing it.

I don't blame them for not wanting to do this.. I totally get that it's a huge financial burden, and none of us can stand the thought of putting our kids through that at this age. But, still.... It's baby bottle rot. That's their fault. They wouldn't take the bottle from her (she still uses it at home) and she goes to bed with it. So, if they are the ones who inflicted this, they should try to fix it too.

SHe's also the second child in less than a month with dental problems, I have a five year old who's parents wont take her in for dental work. They claim the dentists won't see them til age six. (um.. then another dentist maybe???)

[Crystal]

Plain and simple, that is neglect. If she refuse to take her to the dentist, I'd say this is reportable. And, I'm not playing. I'd be calling NOW.

I'd ask her if SHE would live with that or if SHE would get her self to the dentist.

Poor baby.

[wdmmom]

Both of my nieces had their baby teeth rot. They seen a pediatric dentist who determined that they had no enamel on their teeth. Dad had dentures at 17 because of the same thing.

I wouldn't go pointing fingers of bottle rot or whatever. I would tell the mom that it's clearly an underlying problem that needs immediate attention. It's not affecting the child's attendance in daycare but given this child will attend school, a dental exam is required before entrance.

Since you already told the mom of the problem, there isn't much else you can do. I would make note daily of whether the child is eating or not and again bring it up to DCM or DCD and tell them that she needs dental attention, especially if she isn't eating.

Regardless of the financial burden or not, they decided to have this child, now it's time for them to step up to the plate as parents and get this child the medical attention she requires! And if they don't you clearly need to report this as child neglect.

[safechner]

Does she have insurance to cover that? She have to accept that to pay part of it or insurance pay for 100%. My insurance will pay 100% for filling and cavities. It is not fair for this little girl. I can't do that to my kids. If my kids are in pain and I will take them to the dentist with small payment plan or whatever.

I would report if she refuse to take her to the dentist. Poor little girl!

[countrymom]

acually if she explained the situation to a dentist, she would be amazed at how many would help her out with her situation.

[youretooloud]

Does she have insurance to cover that? She have to accept that to pay part of it or insurance pay for 100%. My insurance will pay 100% for filling and cavities. It is not fair for this little girl. I can't do that to my kids. If my kids are in pain and I will take them to the dentist with small payment plan or whatever.

I would report if she refuse to take her to the dentist. Poor little girl!

They do have insurance, but it was used up with the last teeth extractions and dental work until January. So, I DO get what they are dealing with.

As far as enamel... I asked mom that, and she said "the dentist said it was just bottle rot".

They need to either take the bottle away, or put water only in it, or stop allowing her to have it in bed.

[Live and Learn]

she said "the dentist said it was just bottle rot".

They need to either take the bottle away, or put water only in it, or stop allowing her to have it in bed.

What the he77?! She is FOUR YEARS OLD! She is three years late taking away the bottle....and we never, ever, ever give a bottle in bed.

LAZY MOM!

[countrymom]

I've got one for you, dcg has silver caps all over alot of her teeth and she's 5. Her dad says it sugar that is eating her teeth, so guess what she had for breakfast, a blue fruit roll up (her mouth was all blue thats why I asked) so I guess some people don't care that they wreck their childrens teeth. You should see her mouth how many silver caps she has, when she gets older she will be embarressed.

[Hunni Bee]

A mom kept her daughter home Friday because she was having "dental surgery".

I looked in her mouth today, everything from her canines back is capped.

I know most of my kids don't brush their teeth in the morning because their breath is awful...I try to have them brush their teeth at daycare with me, but lately I just haven't been able to manage it...I lost my assistant and it's just too much before nap. I may have them start doing it when they get up.

Some parents actually don't care if their their preschooler's teeth rot because they are baby teeth and they think, oh they'll just fall out anyway.

[Mom_of_two]

The child is in pain. I think that issue needs to be addressed!! If it were my child I would go through any and every channel to find a way to get it done, state/city programs, dental college-whatever. It is their responsibility regardless of financial burden (and kinda scary that the child's pain is just ignored.) I agree that it is neglectful and the child needs an adult to help her since obviously her parents wont. Keep us posted!!

[momofboys]

Does she have insurance to cover that? She have to accept that to pay part of it or insurance pay for 100%. My insurance will pay 100% for filling and cavities. It is not fair for this little girl. I can't do that to my kids. If my kids are in pain and I will take them to the dentist with small payment plan or whatever.

I would report if she refuse to take her to the dentist. Poor little girl!

That's great that your ins pays 100%. Ours does not. . . & we have pretty good insurance but it still only pays a portion. I do feel for the little girl & agree she should be seen but can understand the financial aspect. WTH was she doing still letting her have a botttle? That I do not understand!

[Crystal]

Some parents actually don't care if their their preschooler's teeth rot because they are baby teeth and they think, oh they'll just fall out anyway.

Besides the obvious pain for the child, the parents need to realize that poor dental hygeine does not only affect the teeth. Decay THAT bad can and will lead to other health issues. This particular case is a serious issue. The child has already had teeth pulled and needs MORE pulled. THAT is neglect. It is DISGUSTING that the parent is not taking care of it. I can assure you no adult would suffer that pain - they would find a way to fix it.

They should be embarrassed an ashamed.

[Crystal]

That's great that your ins pays 100%. Ours does not. . . & we have pretty good insurance but it still only pays a portion. I do feel for the little girl & agree she should be seen but can understand the financial aspect. WTH was she doing still letting her have a botttle? That I do not understand!

I would find any and every piece of literature out there regarding baby bottle tooth decay and the health implications that can result. I'd then give it to the parent and ask them to please educate themselves.

I'd also find a list of community resources that will help them get the services their child needs.

[Kaddidle Care]

Lately, she's been saying "I can't eat that, it makes my teeth hurt".

She needs to be able to eat. How horrible for the child to be neglected in this way.

Mom needs to find a Dentist that is willing to do a payment plan. She should also look into State Insurance if there is any in your State if she can't afford dental work for her child.

But.. there's a big difference in not being able to afford something and not being willing to spend money on something.

[nannyde]

I would find any and every piece of literature out there regarding baby bottle tooth decay and the health implications that can result. I'd then give it to the parent and ask them to please educate themselves.

I'd also find a list of community resources that will help them get the services their child needs.

Yes this

Also keep in mind that kids with "bottle mouth" have a lot higher liklihood of busting teeth out if they fall face first.

The teeth are weak and even a good bump to the side of the couch or a fall on the sidewalk can be enough to knock them out.

I've seen that twice in my years of caring for kids. Didn't happen on my watch but it could of.