How to know if teeth hurt?

[slightly crunchy]

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[malamamama]

My dd seemed to be in a lot of pain when I brushed her decayed teeth without cold sensitivity....
We discovered the decay at about 15 months and waited to avoid GA. We had her 4 teeth capped at 27 months with the papoose board and a local. Brushing was always a struggle, but just before the capping and for 5 months after, it would often bring her to tears . Five months after the capping, her two top teeth abscessed and we had them extracted. After the extractions, she was absolutely fine with brushing. I definitely think that she had been in pain. I did not have all of the incredible knowledge on this board as I just discovered MDC at the time of her extractions. There is so much that I could have and would have done differently.....If you are going to wait, definitely be proactive and follow the advice of Smilemomma (and your dentist) about prevention and slowing the decay and all. At this point, IMO, flouride is super important. If you need specifics on threads, I have some notes.
In regards to your options, have you considered, holding him and using Roman Chamomile and Peace and Calming oils as "sedatives"? Smilemomma had positive and effective experience with them...have you seen that thread?
I understand how difficult this is for you, especially when your baby is so young. Its a hard call.....