Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson - 2/24/2005

Question
I suspected that this dentist wasn't giving the right information.  After much research, I am thinking that her constant sipping of Chocolate Milk may be the culprit (even with brushing three times a day).  What do you think?  And with my son, is it possible to have to undergo a root canal in the middle of a cavity filling?  In other words, shouldn't the dentist have known ahead of time that a root canal would be needed?  And if you say whitening isn't safe at this age, about what age is?  What whitening method would you suggest for adults like myself?  Thank you so much for your advice.  
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Followup To
Question -
My daughter is 8yrs old and at the young age of 5, she had to have extensive work done in her mouth (about $5,000 worth) and was put under for two hours. The pediatric dentist stated she had "soft" teeth as a result of all the antibiotics she had when she was a baby for her ear infections which she hardly has any more. She has a mouth full of caps and crowns and crooked teeth with stains on front. The more doctors I ask about the soft teeth theory, the more say it isn't true. Plus they say she shouldn't whiten her teeth or get braces for quite a while. I was hoping she could get the braces before her teen years so the less made fun of she gets from kids at school, the better. Also, I took my 5yr old son into the same dentist for a cavity and while in there, the dentist wanted to perform a root-canal when he was 3 and was sooo insensitive about it that we don't go to him anymore. Does he have the same problem? What would be the best and safe way to whiten their teeth at home? Thanks.

Answer -
There is really no such thing as "soft" teeth.  It is true that sometimes there is some defect in the enamel that makes the tooth more susceptible to decay, however, the cause of decay is bacteria and the prevention of decay depends upon proper diet, oral hygiene and good dental supervision.
There are only a very few bite problems that lend themselves to early treatment.  Basically, teeth can't be straightened until they're in the mouth and that usually means waiting until all the permanent teeth are in.  Certainly, there are exceptions to this and it might be wise to have your daughter evaluated by an orthodontist at this time.  

As far as whitening the teeth, don't give it another thought.  The process uses harsh chemicals that can affect the pulp of young, immature teeth.  There is no safe way to effectively whiten the teeth of an 8 year old.

Answer
Each time a sugar-containing food or liquid is introduced into the mouth it causes the saliva to become acid for 20-30 minutes unless the mouth is immediately cleared by brushing or rinsing.  Constant sipping of chocolate milk will quickly destroy the teeth as you have learned.

Usually it is possible to predict the need for a pulp treatment, but on occasion it becomes an unanticipated requirement of treatment.

I would not recommend bleaching until at least age 16 unless there is a particularly special situation and then it should only be done under the supervision of the dentist.  Frankly, I feel that there is far too much emphasis placed on "white" teeth.  The chemicals used are harsh and really should be avoided unless there is a real need.