I just wanted to say that I actually have a ray of hope in an otherwise bummer situation after finding you. We adopted a beautiful baby boy at birth one year ago. He was born 3 months early and to say the least has been through hell over the last year. Now at one year he has fluorosis and cavities. I guess I just trusted the doctor when he prescribed fluoride drops – I guess this is the one time I am glad that I wasn’t too consistent with getting those drops done everyday. Anyway, he is basically blind, has severe asthma, has had heart surgery, stomach surgery, and hand and foot surgery all in his little life. I was devastated to learn about his dental issues because he LOVES to have us brush his teeth. He would do it a 100 times per day if I let him. I thought I was doing everything right. I know there is nothing that can be done for the fluorosis, which I know is not cancer but sure has me bummed that I did that to my son; but I am so happy to know we can help prevent cavities for our little guy from here on out and hopefully help heal the cavities he has. He suffered bad thrush for months as a tiny baby and I wish we had know about xylitol for that too!
Anyway, thank you for all the effort you put into helping. I just ordered your book and I have a feeling I am going to cry a little wishing I had found you a few months ago before it was too late. Thanks again.
– A
Hi A,
Thanks for your message.
You have been through a lot with your baby – wow.
I cannot commend on the exact reasons why your son has dental problems, but if we are talking about baby teeth – they never show fluorosis.
Fluorosis is a problem that HAPPENS during the early years of life -and this affects the permanent teeth as they are forming.
You don’t get to see this damage because it is in the permanent (adult ) teeth that will come into the mouth around 8 years old.
The good news is that the white spots on your child’s teeth are more likely to be demineralization – and this can be reversed with xylitol.
I suggest you wipe or brush your child’s teeth with xylitol three times a day – make a solution of xylitol in water and use this.
Twice a day you could brush these teeth with bubblegum ACT rinse.
I am happy to look at a picture of these teeth to confirm what I have said above.
I don’t think you need to be too worried – these white spots should be easily reversible.
You may also want to ask caretakers – and family who interact with your child – to learn about xylitol and how they can prevent passing harmful mouth germs to your little one.
Best wishes,
Dr. Ellie Phillips DDS
More information can be found on this topic and more at: www.drellie.com
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