For a child younger than 6 with cavities, will his teeth remineralize faster without using the toothpaste, will using it further etch his teeth?
How do you know if/when a cavity needs to be filled and what is the best filling if you have to?
Thank you so much for your time and help,
L
Dear L:
I would spend 6 months being diligent about xylitol, tooth cleaning and keeping juice and citrus drinks etc to meal times only. Make sure you have xylitol in the diet – or better yet Zellies fruit mints after meals and drinks. If the cavity is better after 6 months I would ask the dentist to let you continue for another 6 months. If the cavity remains after one year – I guess you will need to have a filling.
In a baby tooth you can ask if IRM is a possibility – that is probably the safest filling and also helps strengthen the tooth.
Prevention – prevention – prevention!
Avoid fillings if you possibly can!
Ellie
Categories: Uncategorized
Hi Dr. Ellie. How can we contact you? I would like to ask you a question but can't seem to find an e-mail address. Thank you!Kacie
Hi — you can either leave a comment here, or email directly: ellie@drellie.com.
I have been using your system for a few years, and it is working well. All of the areas that the dentist said would need fillings (about ten areas) have remineralized. I have a number of gum line fillings from before I found out about your system, however. One of these fell out recently, and I am wondering whether I should get the filling replaced. The area doesn’t hurt, and I don’t notice it usually. My concern is that if I keep getting these gum line fillings replaced I will eventually have to get crowns, since they have to drill each time. What are your thoughts on this?
These “side” fillings are technically called Class V ( five) fillings in the dental world. All dentists know that they rarely stick or stay put, so they become ongoing projects that constantly need attention. Some people don’t like the look of their teeth with this groove at the side, but personally I suggest leaving these grooves and don’t fill them. The damage has occurred at some time when your mouth was acidic. Providing you manage mouth acidity and use the system for its remineralizing and strengthening benefits, these areas will not get worse, will not be sensitive, and honestly there is no scientific reason to fill them.
I suggest you discuss your options with your dentist – but he should give you a “no treatment” option ( unless there is some really good other reason that I cannot imagine).