I am a bit frustrated. My toddler (currently three years old) had his two front teeth removed because of nerve damage to them. He’ll be going to preschool soon and I didn’t want him made fun of for not having teeth. I asked his pediatric dentist about getting him a dental flipper. He was quite rude and acted like I was a moron. I tried looking online for a DIY one, but they only seem to have them for adults. Do you know a place where I can get one or, if there isn’t one, what else would you recommend?
Sammie
Dear Sammie,
Dental Flipper
I’m glad you wrote. I can see that you care about your son a great deal and want what is best for him. While it would not be a good idea to get your son a dental flipper, I must say I do not like how your current pediatric dentist handled it.
There is no point in berating a patient because they suggest something the dentist thinks is foolish. Instead, bearing in mind that the parent has a logical reason for asking and they do not have a dental education, you explain it to them without making them feel foolish. I’m guessing there is possibly something your dentist doesn’t know in a field he doesn’t have a degree in and might ask a question someone else would find foolish.
Sorry for the rant, but I don’t like when dentists behave that way. I’m going to suggest that you find a different pediatric dentist, one that will listen to you and answer your questions about your son’s dental care.
A dental flipper won’t work for a toddler because of these reasons:
- 1. They are removable which makes them a choking hazard.
- 2. It would be unlikely a child would keep them in their mouth and not lose them.
- 3. A toddler’s mouth grows rapidly so even if he safely kept it in, you would have to constantly replace it for a new size.
The good news is you don’t really need anything for his teeth. At that age, children aren’t bothered by teeth falling out. In fact, it may even be a badge of honor. Because they are front teeth, you don’t have to worry about the shifting that is a concern with back teeth. Those have to stay in until he is 12 years old, but front teeth can go at any time.
This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Parma Ridge, Dr. Rebecca Geocovich.
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