So almost two years ago now I went to the dentist and was told that the stains I had on some of my molars were actually cavities that needed to be "filled" in order to prevent further decay. Really the damage to the teeth had not eroded anything but the top layer, from what he told me and what the x-ray showed, but he made it seem urgent that I get fillings right away on all of them before the decay hit the nerves in my teeth. I was told it would cost $4,000 but he so generously gave me the "special" price of $2,000.
Since it was literally three days before my wedding and we were going to be moving and my husband was starting grad school I asked if such a procedure could wait awhile, since the "cavities" were still so small. (Not sure why he insisted that a stain and a cavity are the same thing?) He responded to my question by saying "I'm sure there won't be any harm if you wait until after the honeymoon." Which led me to believe it really needed to be done within the next few months.
I have been meaning to go in to the dentist for a second opinion for well... almost two years now, and just haven't made it. We don't have dental insurance and can't really afford it with DH being in school and such, although hopefully I will be able to go in the fall. DD is turning one next week and has eight teeth, so the whole tooth issue has sprung up in my brain again. I don't want to pay for expensive fillings on tooth decay that is really not in any way severe or bothering me in the slightest. And I want to be giving DD the best possible start on her dental health.
I have been wanting to pursue some more natural methods of sustaining and healing teeth, but there's so much information I don't know where to start. I have heard of purely nutritional methods that involve eating a lot of bone marrow and certain organs I'm just plain not comfortable with, and even if I was, such a diet would never get past the DH. I have also read about Xylitol's possible healing effects, but I really seem to have trouble getting past the idea that a sweetener can be good for you!
I have already started eradicating some of the most offensive sugars and foods in our house that cause tooth decay, which will be great for DDs teeth, but is that going to be enough to prevent tooth decay for her in a society that is overrun with tooth deteriorating food? And how do I start healing the decay that my DH and I have already accumulated over the years?
I guess I'm looking for whatever system, products, methods, diets, etc. you use for your family that have worked. I'm really at a loss of where to begin. Other than eating healthier and brushing twice a day, what sort of arsenal does a mom need to prevent tooth decay in a society like ours where cavities seem almost inevitable?
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