I am learning so many new things being her mother. One that I would like to share with you, what do you do with a child who is VERY cavity prone?
Her first visit to the dentist resulted in 4 cavities. Even though he didn't say it, I know he thought I was the kind of mother who puts her child to bed with a bottle filled with Coke or Pepsi. Or snipped off the rubber part of her binky and replaced with with a Jolly Ranchers.
The only thing I had going for me is that between my other 3 kids, they have combined... MAYBE 4 fillings. And the oldest is 23. Proof that perhaps I am not horrific... well at least in dental hygiene department with my kids.
And yep, every visit after, even with all the fancy schmancy mouthwashes, toothbrushes, toothpastes, she ALWAYS has at least one cavity. I will say she is pretty tough in the dental seat.
I finally decided to do some research. Between my googling and talking to our current dentist (yeah I switched, beady judging eyes are hard to deal to with at each 6 month visit), I found out that while brushing and flossing HELPS prevent cavities, some people are more susceptible because of a bacteria they have in their mouth. And yes, it can be transfered by sharing spoons, straws etc. It is called mutant streptococci. There is more info here (or google it).
So here I am, with a child who is actually attempting to do a good job on her teeth. Whatcha gonna do?
It is a tooth friendly, nonfermentable sugar alcohol. Which means this sweetener is actually good for your teeth. It helps to neuturalize the bacteria, prevents tooth decay AND can actually help rebuild enamel.
Seriously, why haven't I been told about this sooner!
I went on Amazon and ordered Spry gum and mints. I figured they would be easy to carry around in my purse. Then I could give one to Sidney if we were out and had a snack. Or they are easy for her to just grab them a couple of times during the day.
I also got this gum
So far, the only gum that I have found that has Xylitol as the first ingredient is Ice Breaker Ice Cubes.
There you go....
Hope this helps you, well and us too!
1 comment:
Well Sidney and Matthew are definitely related! I'm reading your post and going "uh-huh, uh-huh, same here". I never even thought about googling the problem, just figured he'd have dentures at 15. Thanks for the tips we will be doing the same, at least after he has the latest rotten tooth taken care of! I knew it wasn't me - I AM A GOOD MOTHER!
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