[tylerdylan]

DS is 3 (almost 4). He's been through so much in the past few months and I don't want to take him to a dentist and put him through that right now. I could call DS's oncologist and ask if they know why this happening, but thought I'd start here first.
In Aug. DS was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery. In Sept. he started chemo. In late Sept/early Oct we noticed one of his bottom front teeth had turned grey. At that point the oncologist said it was likely due to being knocked during one of his surgeries (from the breathing tube). We were told it would heal over time (as did the research I did online). But now his top two front teeth are turning grey. I am really noticing the past few days and DS had an MRI with general anaesthetic and a breathing tube last week, but surely they didn't knock his teeth again right?
He hasn't bumped his mouth at all that we can recall.
He does however grind his teeth REALLY bad in his sleep. He's only been doing this for a few months since the surgery (we think).
Anybody have experience with this spontaneous greying of the teeth? I know they are only his baby teeth, but he's going to have them for a few more years at least. Is it the chemo doing it? The surgery? The teeth grinding? What the heck is happening? It's just what we need around here is something else to deal with...should we go to the dentist and put him through more? We already feel like we live in a waiting room and doctor's office/hospital. I sooooo don't want to put him through more...

 

[AquariusHome]

I don't know. But I didn't want to read and not respond. I hope you get an answer so you don't have to have this weighing on your mind along with everything else.

Mama!

 

[tanyalynn]

Do you think he'd do okay with a guard? I induced two cavities in myself from grinding my teeth--the grinding force at the bottom put stress at the top and they got these little stress fractures near the gumline, and eventually decay set in. I didn't get graying, it just went directly to cavities for me, but it seems like it could be an additional stress that, if they pushed at his teeth a bit too hard with the breathing tube, could slow down healing.

With all the stress he's been under, I'd probably really push the nutrition side. I think there's merit in a lot of the Price ideas on nutrition and dental health (though that can't overcome a physical stress like if they really damaged it with one of the tubes) but I think it could make healing easier and faster if it's possible.

 

[tylerdylan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TanyaLopez Do you think he'd do okay with a guard? I induced two cavities in myself from grinding my teeth--the grinding force at the bottom put stress at the top and they got these little stress fractures near the gumline, and eventually decay set in. I didn't get graying, it just went directly to cavities for me, but it seems like it could be an additional stress that, if they pushed at his teeth a bit too hard with the breathing tube, could slow down healing. With all the stress he's been under, I'd probably really push the nutrition side. I think there's merit in a lot of the Price ideas on nutrition and dental health (though that can't overcome a physical stress like if they really damaged it with one of the tubes) but I think it could make healing easier and faster if it's possible.

I really doubt he'd accept the night guard. He's a really sensitive little guy (physically). He can't even stand if his sock is on a little crooked because the toe stitching bugs him - I doubt he'd sleep with a foreign object in his mouth.

I'm going to fess up and admit that I have no idea what the "Price ideas on nutrition and dental health" are. Do you have a link for me (I have essentially no free time to research things right now). Thanks