Calcium Build up on My Son's Bottom Teeth

Updated on January 24, 2012
T.F. asks from Spartanburg, SC
6 answers

My little guy(20m) has some calcium build up on his bottom front teeth. I feel so bad, but I promise I brush my child's teeth!!!!!! I know the only way to remove it is for the pedi dentist to scrape it off. Our pediatrician said they can sedate him if they need to. I can go ahead and say that they'll have to do that. He's not the most willing even for me to brush his teeth. Has anyone been through this??? Poor little guy :-(

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So What Happened?

What...oh Lord NO...they are not brushing their own teeth! I brush their teeth.

Thank you all so much:-) very helpful and made me feel much better! Our pedi didn't act like it was a big deal & it seems easy to fix so thanks again :-)

More Answers

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

www.spiffies.com
It is a tooth wipe for kids. I even use it.
It is an extra way to clean a kid's teeth.
It has Xylitol in it... a natural thing.

tartar/calcium build up is common.
And right at the bottom front teeth... because per gravity... this is where saliva builds up or sits.

My daughter is prone to it too.
Even if she does brush.

Don't feel guilty.
This is not unusual, even in adults.

2 moms found this helpful

~.~.

answers from Tulsa on

I get this on my bottom front teeth as well. The reason I get it is because my jaw sits low in my mouth and that is where saliva pools at night. If my mouth is closed, my bottom lip covers half of my upper teeth. One thing I have to be sure to do is to make sure to brush very low on those teeth. It takes some getting used to since it seems like I am brushing too far down. That might be the same situation your son has. Once you get it cleaned off, it is easy to keep on top of it with regular cleanings and adjusting the way you brush. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

I have to ask have these spots been there since the teeth came in? Both my sons had a genetic issue that caused them to have weak spots on their teeth. No amount of brushing could have stopped it. With my older son it was just as couple spots on the front teeth so we didn't have to do anything. With my younger son he had to be sedated and all the spots filled. His molars looked like Jaws from the James Bond movie.

For both of them their adult teeth came in with no defects. :)

1 mom found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Columbus on

If it makes you feel better. My oldest had that when she was two. We did not go to the dentist until she was three. The dentist said this was very typical because of the location of the salivary gland behind the front teeth. He was just able to scrape it off with the scraping tool, no problem. She sat on my lap and leaned back into the lap of the dentist, which helped her feel secure. He did not clean them the first time, just did a flouride treatment. I hope this helps! :)

1 mom found this helpful
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Y.W.

answers from Athens on

The build up is heritary. My daughter and husband both get it. My husband found that using mouthwash twice a day as gotten rid of the build up. But this only helps to start AFTER a dental visit and the dentist has cleaned them.

Your guy is a bit young for this, but in time consider this in addition to brushing.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

You mention "they have the same brushing habits." Are you implying that they are responsible for brushing their teeth on their own?

Not meaning to preach, but if the dentist hasn't already said this, you should still be the one brushing their teeth for them. Children do not have the dexterity or ability to properly brush their own teeth until they're about 4 or 5, and still, most dentists would encourage you to follow-up after to be sure their teeth are properly cleaned and flossed.

Our dentist is adamant that parents brush their children's teeth until they're 6! He's even told us he has no problem holding his children tight to get the job done. Thankfully, as much as my kids don't like brushing, I've never had to go that far, but I have had an easier time getting them to brush with an electric brush and kid friendly toothpaste and washes.

If you aren't brushing their teeth 3 times a day and are just leaving it to them to avoid a fight, this may be the reason your son has tartar build up on his bottom front teeth. Calcium build up is another way of saying plaque build up. That happens when teeth aren't properly brushed and is the stage before decay. While these are just baby teeth, the damage of tooth decay is far reaching and can effect the health of his adult teeth if he gets cavities now.

To be sure you aren't leaving anything behind when brushing, there are rinses (even for kids) that temporarily stain the teeth so you can see where plaque has formed prior to brushing. The stain comes off along with the tartar as you brush. You can find this where mouth wash and toothpaste is sold for children.

Be sure to floss too. There are flossers made for kids also found in the same area as the mouthwash. Flossing also keeps the tartar away.

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