SPD and cavites...

[APToddlerMama]

So, I feel terrible, but I can see that DS who is 2.5 has a cavity in one of of his molars.  Part of the reason for this is because it is nearly impossible to brush his teeth due to his sensory issues.  We have tried *every* last tactic, worked with an OT, etc, and in the end, resorted to DH and I holding him down to brush his teeth two or three times a week.  Yes, horrible, I know.  We didn't do it more because it was so traumatic for him, and our OT said he probably wouldn't get cavities because he eats very little fruit/sugar.  Our fear was that if we didn't force him to let us brush them, he'd end up with cavities which would be even more traumatic to have filled.  Anyhow, here we are now.  I am just wondering if anyone has experience with this and can offer some advice.  Sigh...

**cannot figure out how to edit title, but sorry for spelling error!**

[KCMichigan]

My DD has SPD- and we have had no cavities at 5 yrs old. She HATES brusing her teeth and is very very resistant to brushing in the back. She ,too, has had OT. We brush daily and she has gotten better about it over time.

Talk to your Dentist....part of 'cavity frequency' is genetic and due to the make up of your saliva and enamel (per our dentist). A small part is diet- but a small child is unlikely to drink a lot of soda or candy (which can cause decay)...so cavities at that age are likely due to individual makeup of teeth/mouth chemistry.

DH and I both have had very few cavities so it is likely our daughters will be the same unless they pick up really bad oral hygeine or eating habits.

I would ask your dentist about sealants and/or flouride treatment (if you are OK with it).  Those would help combat the low brushing frequency and reduce further cavities.

How about kid-friendly mouth wash? I know around age 3- my DD learned to swish and spit vs swallowing. (that is abotu when we switched from baby toothpaste to toddler toothpaste). That will help too. Our OT also *tried* to teach our DD to chew gum (sugar free actually is GOOD at reducing cavities), but we have never had luck with her not swallowing it.

I would get a pediatric dentist visit in (instead of your OT giving dental advice) and get a plan in place. Our peds detists was GREAT w/ my SPD DD and allowed her to 'skip' the tooth polishing portion (she was terrified of the polisher) and they were very very used to kids w/ SNs.

[Emmeline II]

Perhaps you should look into having his teeth sealed. It is pricey, but it may be the best option since brushing is such a challenge.

Our children inherited dh's weak enamel (dh had his teeth sealed as a teen), and dd's teeth were worse than ds' though she was two years younger, ebf, had had less juice than the small amount I had given ds at that age, and we had been more diligent in brushing her teeth. Dd had to have her teeth fixed in the hospital.

[APToddlerMama]

thanks for the replies!  I am hoping we can just nurse this along for a while so that we can wait to get it filled.  I feel like even six months from now, DS may be much better to understand and be a little more calm, etc.  He is making great progress with the SPD and also his receptive language, so we'll see.  Of course, ped dentist receptionist tells me on the phone that I absolutely cannot wait, that cavities are like a bacteria that will spread and spread and overcome my poor boy's mouth.  I don't really buy that will happen anytime soon as it is very tiny.

[shelbean91]

We also have brushing issues and now keep a toothbrush next to the bathtub.  I let ds chew on it in there- better than nothing.  Also, he likes to chew on a washcloth, so that helps a bit as well.  No other suggestions beyond that- but when ds2 had cavities filled, he had to be completely put under.

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by APToddlerMama   Of course, ped dentist receptionist tells me on the phone that I absolutely cannot wait, that cavities are like a bacteria that will spread and spread and overcome my poor boy's mouth.  I don't really buy that will happen anytime soon as it is very tiny.

I don't know how fast the cavity would develop but cavities don't directly cause other cavities.

What's a Cavity?

Cavities/tooth decay - MayoClinic.com

[APToddlerMama]

Yes, sorry, she just meant the one cavity was going to rot ....she was just being so dramatic about it!

Originally Posted by Emmeline II 

Originally Posted by APToddlerMama   Of course, ped dentist receptionist tells me on the phone that I absolutely cannot wait, that cavities are like a bacteria that will spread and spread and overcome my poor boy's mouth.  I don't really buy that will happen anytime soon as it is very tiny.

I don't know how fast the cavity would develop but cavities don't directly cause other cavities.

What's a Cavity?

Cavities/tooth decay - MayoClinic.com

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by APToddlerMama 

Yes, sorry, she just meant the one cavity was going to rot ....she was just being so dramatic about it!

Originally Posted by Emmeline II 

Originally Posted by APToddlerMama   Of course, ped dentist receptionist tells me on the phone that I absolutely cannot wait, that cavities are like a bacteria that will spread and spread and overcome my poor boy's mouth.  I don't really buy that will happen anytime soon as it is very tiny.

I don't know how fast the cavity would develop but cavities don't directly cause other cavities.

What's a Cavity?

Cavities/tooth decay - MayoClinic.com

 

My dd is getting two cavities filled this week. One was a spot the Dr. had been watching for nearly two years and another is new since her last appointment 6 months ago. The Dr. recommended getting it done sooner rather than later but did not say "omgyoumustdoitnoworallherteethwillrotoutofherhead!"
 

[APToddlerMama]

Lol!  That is definitely what we got! 

Originally Posted by Emmeline II 

Originally Posted by APToddlerMama 

Yes, sorry, she just meant the one cavity was going to rot ....she was just being so dramatic about it!

Originally Posted by Emmeline II 

Originally Posted by APToddlerMama   Of course, ped dentist receptionist tells me on the phone that I absolutely cannot wait, that cavities are like a bacteria that will spread and spread and overcome my poor boy's mouth.  I don't really buy that will happen anytime soon as it is very tiny.

I don't know how fast the cavity would develop but cavities don't directly cause other cavities.

What's a Cavity?

Cavities/tooth decay - MayoClinic.com

 

My dd is getting two cavities filled this week. One was a spot the Dr. had been watching for nearly two years and another is new since her last appointment 6 months ago. The Dr. recommended getting it done sooner rather than later but did not say "omgyoumustdoitnoworallherteethwillrotoutofherhead!"