Scared About My 2 Yr. Old Being Put Under Anesthesia

Updated on July 19, 2008
A.N. asks from Portland, OR
25 answers

We have a 2 and a half year old. At her last Dr. appt. (for an ear infection) I asked the Dr. to take a look at some staining on her front four teeth. She drinks juice, but always watered down, and only in her highchair, never all day long. Anyway, she thought it was due to her antibiotics from all her ear infections. Apparently the antibiotics can cause plaque build up. Has anyone heard of this?

Anyway, I took her to the Dentist to have it cleaned off, when we found out that they had already turned into cavities. Of course I found a highly recommened Dentist, he does all pediatric oral surgeries at Emanuel Hospital as well. I'm not thinking we need a second opinion.

She's having the procedure to have them done tomorrow and she will have to be put under anesthesia for about an hour. I'm just a little concerned about what to expect when she wakes up. We can't stop the ear infections, but I certainly hope we can do something about possible cavities as a side affect. I'm kind of stumped, we've had her Dentist prescribe flouride tablets and hopefully that will help a bit.

So here's my question: 1)Has anyone had a small child put under anesthesia, and 2)Has anyone heard of antibiotics causing this much tooth plaque? We brush her teeth religiously every morning and night.

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for your advice, support and confimation. Madison had her procedure this morning and did fine. She woke up kind of cranky and whiney, but that's to be expected. She's a trooper, and enjoying our cuddle time with endless movies today!!! She's pretty sleepy and I suspect will be taking it easy most of the day.

Thank you all so much again! I truly had a lot more confidence this morning than I did a few days ago!

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K.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I went through the same thing but my doc said he didn't reccomend putting him under. Instead we chose option two of waiting till he was 3 1/2 and could sit still (though he didn't like it) and the dentist buffed the teeth and floated some white enamel over the cavities and stains.

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A.O.

answers from Honolulu on

I know this is an old post, but I wanted to respond about the antibiotics/tooth decay part. Yes, it can and does happen, just not to everyone. It dependson the does of antibiotic mainly. My daughter has been on them for over half her life because of a medical condition. But it's a low dose, so we haven't had problems yet. But she also chews on her toothbrush about 5 times a day, and we give her lots of water and her floride drops every day.

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B.

answers from Las Vegas on

You can do something about her ear infections. If she is having that many she needs tubes put in her ears. Even after an infection, fluid can stay in the ear canal for months which affects the childs ability to hear (conductive hearing loss). Sound is distorted when it travels thru fluid. She is at a critical stage in development and talking. She needs to hear clearly. FInd a good Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) and have her evaluated. Generally, if they have had 3-4 ear infections within 6 months to 1 year they will put them in. I would insist on it if she is having that many. I'm an RN and wish you the best in school.

B.

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S.D.

answers from Honolulu on

i have heard of anitbiotics causing tooth discoloration, but not plaque build up. my son was 3 1/2 when he was put under for a hernia operation. if this dentist comes highly recommended i would feel confident that he knows what he is doing.

because your daughter has had so many antibiotics i would highly encourage you to build up the healthy bacteria in her intestines with acidopholus - not just from yogurt - but actually buy the powder capsule, mix the powder with a tiny bit of water to make a paste and have her eat it. try to find an alternative process of healing with her infections too. repeated antibiotics could cause her body to build up an immunity to them and each time she takes them they destroy all bacteria in her body - even the good stuff - which can make her more prone to yeast build up in her body.

i cut out dairy, breads and other sugars (fruit, juice) when my children experience ear discomfort because they contribute to inflammation .

hope some of that was helpful =)

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P.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I don't know about the teeth, but I have some information about the ears- I recently learned that sometimes ear infections can be caused by a fungal infection (yeast). If the ear infection is a fungus then the antibiotics just make it worse because they are also fungal based (remember the mold that became penicillin?) this fungus can also cause a buildup of "bad bacteria" in the digestive tract, sinuses, genital area or mouth resulting in thrush, yeast infections, sinus infections or other symptoms. Try finding a doc who will culture the ear infection for fungal (yeast) or see a alternative medical professional for natural yeast remedies. We tried this (oregano oil) and no more sinus or ear infections! (no more antibiotics either!) Another help for ear infections may be to see an ENT about tubes in the ears, but I would try to heal the infections another way first.

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D.K.

answers from Boise on

My son at 3 yrs. had to have cavities filled. Our dentist has a anesthesiologist come to his office. They are very caring and know how to handle the kids. Just know that when he wakes up he isn't going to make any sense to you but you have to remain calming and reassuring and within an hour he will be fine.

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S.J.

answers from Spokane on

I just wanted to know if you have taken her to a E.N.T. My son had ear infection for the first 9 months of his life I took him to the E.N.T. and got tubs put in and he has had very little problems in the last year just a suggestion. To help your little girls ear infections.

S.

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J.T.

answers from Portland on

In September, my son had part 1 of a surgery for an undecended testi. I can't offer any help or advice for the teeth issues, but I can share with you about the anesthesia question. It wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Just have her favorite things near: blanket, stuffed animal, ect., and plenty of apple juice (if they will allow this after having mouth surgery). Hold her and cuddle her, as she will be scared. Most recovery rooms have tv's in them, so find some cartoons to play. We checked in at 6:00am, and were leaving at 11:00am. It is scary, I know, we have to do it again in May. But she will do fine. She will be running around the next day like nothing happened. It amazed me.

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A.R.

answers from Las Vegas on

yes i have . I had my daughter at two and a half put under for almost the same thing, but my bad was i gave her a cup morning noon and night so she had tooth decay. I was really scared, but they came and gave her a shot in her arm and i'm not kidding within seconds she was out i was holding her and i got teary eyed then when she was out the doctor took her away. When he brought her back to me she was out still, we had to sit in a room for an hour while she came to. When she did she was o.k just really sleepy so when i got her home she slept the rest of the day.

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K.T.

answers from Portland on

Hi A.. I do understand how scary this can be. When my son was a couple months old, we had to take him in for an exploratory surgery. I don't remeber a whole lot as it was almost 3 years ago, but I do remeber that the "before" was worse than the "after". I couldnt feed him for 12 hours before the surgery, and with a 2 month old baby,....it's painful. I knew he was hungry, and I couldnt feed him. When I had to hand him over to the anesthesiologist, I cried and cried. It wasnt for fear of what they would find, it was because they "took" my baby, and I couldnt be in there to make sure he was okay. The surgery went well. No complications, but when he came out he was groggy. I'm sure there were things they told me to watch for after the surgery, but I don't remeber what they were as he didn't have any trouble. Being older than my son was, she may be a little disoriented. Perhaps you can take her favorite blankie or dolly or stuffed animal for comfort. Don't let her see you concerned as she will pick up on that and think there is something wrong. We sorta made a special day of it and even wore a special outfit. Let her know that its a "happy" day 'cause the dentist is gonna make her teeth all better. I suspect they are not letting her eat for several hours before the surgey/procedure, and i'm not sure exactly what the procedure will entail, but if its alright and not painful for her to eat, maybe you can pick up a special meal that she likes. If you can, try to make it a day of snuggling, and cuddling and just take it easy....both of you. I hope some of this helps! I'll say a little prayer for everything to go smoothly tomorrow.

I also wanted to add that juice is okay, in moderation. It's good that she only gets it when shes in her chair, but I would suggest that if she does have juice during the day, brush her little teeth before you get her out of her chair. My oldest son, when given the choice between juice and water, will almost always choose water because he knows its better for him and I let him know that he made a really good choice. He, of course, wasnt born that way...but I've worked with him on it. My younger son however, REALLY likes juice. IF he gets juice, its about 3/4 water. I chose to take the lazy route and just stopped keeping it in the house. That way I don't have to battle with him each time and I can just tell him we don't have any. Whatever you choose to do, good luck. It can be tough. :)

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D.R.

answers from Spokane on

My daughter had to have an extra piece of her kidney removed at 2 1/2yrs old and was put under anestesia. She did fine. They gave her some liquid medicine to drink, which made her sleepy, drugged up really and then they took her back and put an iv in her and put her to sleep. They wouldn't let me go back for that. I know it is scary I was really scared because you hear of all the side effects that could happen but you just have to have faith that the doctors know what they are doing and lean on God for strength. Good luck and I will pray for you guys!!

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D.C.

answers from Pocatello on

My now almost 7yr old, had surgery on his testicle (never dropped) when he was almost 2yrs old. I was scared as well, but all turned out okay and he was great afterwards. A little groggy but that is all.

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S.G.

answers from Seattle on

My daughter has had to be put under twice. Once when she was a little over 3 (for an advanced hearing test) and the second time when she was almost 5 (to have two teeth pulled out).

You can expect her to wake up feeling very groggy. They gave my daughter some jello and juice to help her feel better. Her body might feel weak for a little while. But I had a very active little girl who bounced right back to life after not much time at all.

Be prepared though, if they allow you in the room prior to her going under. It was very hard watching her fade from being awake to out cold. Although the fact that I was very pregnant at the time probably didn't help matters any. The second time they wouldn't allow me in the room, they took her back and I had to wait out in the waiting room until they were done with her. When she came to she was crying and in pain. Very confused as well. After waking up to find two teeth pulled out who wouldn't be. Probably similar to having wisdom teeth extracted.

Anyway, I wish you luck. You might take her favorite stuffed animal or blankie with you for her to snuggle with as soon as she wakes up to make things feel more comfortable for her.

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S.P.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi A.,

I try not to use antibiotics unless it's the ast resort. For her ear infections, use equal parts watm olive oil & peroxide. The olive oil soothes the pain while the peroxide gets the gunk out that's causing the infection. I know it sounds weird, but I've been doing it most of my life. Hope this helps.

S.

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J.H.

answers from Boise on

My daughter went through the exact thing. When she was three, we had to take her to the local hospital to be put under anesthesia for her dental procedure. She had one tooth (front tooth) repaired from juice. It was very scary, she woke up and was immediately very frightened. She cried for about 1/2 hour and was just basically scared. Her father and I, along with both grandmas were right there with her and did not leave her side but I'll tell you, it was one of the most frightening things I've ever seen. Her eyes were huge, she just didn't understand and that along with the crummy feeling one feels when first waking up from anesthesia anyway was almost too much for her to handle. I know it had to be done, but the only advice I can give you is this, when she is brought back to recovery, climb into bed with her so that when she does begin to come around, she won't see you standing before her in a strange place, she will feel and know you are right there with her and just calm her and try to explain the best you can. As long as I was right there, she felt at ease. Good luck, it's a VERY scary thing. One last thought, make sure you tell them you DO NOT want her IV inserted in vien until she is groggy. They can not only give her numbing creme for IV site, but can give her some meds that make her drowsy. She will simply drink a thick syrup like med that will absolutely make her so drowsy she won't fight the stick nor feel it much. You don't want to start a life long fear of needles by having a nurse (or anesthesiologist) try to "hold her down" etc. to get the IV needle in. My daughters (2) both have a pancreatic disease and go under anesthesia often with surgical procedures and tests. I gave you the example of my oldest daughter's first anesthesia experience because she was around the age of your child. Again, good luck. As long as YOU are okay, your child will be okay. They pick up a lot from us as they see how WE react and if we freak out then they take the hint and then they too freak out.

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

My son had surgery at 10 months and then again at 13 months, both times at Emanuel. He cried and cried when he was waking up from the first surgery. He did not calm down for about two hours. After the second surgery they switched the medication dosage this time and gave him more Fentanyl and less Versed and I think that's what made the difference...maybe you can ask about their protocol. (This might be helpful with you in school and later in practice. I'm an RN as well.)

There's no way for us as parents to not be nervous while our kids are having surgery but just know that your child is in the hands of professionals and that everyone's goal is the health and safety of your daughter.

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R.K.

answers from Fargo on

I'm nnot so sure about the part that the antibiotics caused the tooth decay, but won't go further. Many people have seen a great turn around by adding a good quality Calcium into their diets, such as Shaklee. I just recently heard about someone in your exact situation (tooth discoloration, decay, etc.) & just by beginning to get more calcium into their diet, it went away.
There are also many natural ways to treat & prevent ear aches & avoid the damaging effects of antibiotics. Contact me if you want more information.

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P.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

I just wanted to say yes i have but i have never experienced it. Antibiotics have different effects on everyone even addults.

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J.C.

answers from Portland on

If your child is having that many ear infections, you might also consider ear tubes. I have a friend who's sons both had lots of infections, and ended up with antibiotic staph infections because of so many antibiotics. And some hearing loss (temporary). Ear tubes completely turned things around for them. She swears by them.

And personally, I'd get rid of the juice entirely. Water and milk are worthwhile, juice really isn't.

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L.B.

answers from Anchorage on

Hi A., 1st i agree with jude that is what we did with our daughter. she was 2 when we had to take her to the hospital to have teeth work done.they gave her a drink which is really sweet within 5 min she was droggy they carried her back they put the mask on her when she was asleep then they did the Iv . then ask your dentist to put a sealant on her teeth. especially the back ones. then they brought her to recovery and i asked them if they can take the Iv out before she becomes completly awake because i didn't want her to see that and be more scared. as for the ears sounds like you need to have the tubes put in. because with out them those tiny ears really hurt. are you giving a bottle at bedtime laying down? see we did that and we didn't know that could cause ear infections. you will start having problems with all the antibiotics. my girlfriends son lost his hearing because of that. he was 2 1/2 yrs what ashame. congradulations on your next little mirracle. good luck tomorrow she will be just fine.as how she will act each child is different. our daughter was just fine she didn't cry she was fine days after but to this day she does not remeber anything.

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K.P.

answers from Las Vegas on

I don't know if this helps since my son was so young but he was put under when he was 5 months for emergency surgery. Of course your daughter oral surgery is not as threatening but it is always scary having your child under. My sons temperament changed drastically but I think it was the pain that made him that way. He had no side effects from the anesthesia. My niece had the same problem with her teeth when she was about 4. She had many many cavities fixed and she had no problems after either. I don't think they ever figured out what caused her tooth decay either. Good luck.

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H.J.

answers from Pocatello on

A.: I had my 18 month old put under for tubes...no biggy. He did great. It is really scary. Good luck to you-H.

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P.H.

answers from Fargo on

I have had my son put under 2 times and both times he came out just fine and I have never heard of meds doing that.

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H.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Believe it or not there is much you can do about getting ear infections. My son used to get them too, he has not had one in 2 years. And my daughter has never had one. We changed simple things in our home, like soap, and laundry detergent, lotion and tooth paste. It's amazing just how toxic those things are. We assume they are safe, but in truth they are really pretty disgusting, and are in fact the cause of many annoying ailments that we comonly just write off as things "we just have to live with".

H.

http://wisemommy.fourpointwellness.com

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T.G.

answers from Seattle on

I know how you feel my 2 year old had to have surgery on his finger he cut it on mini blinds. They had to put him under it was the hardest thing i had to go through. I went happily though. It took him a long time to come out of recovery so it was evern harder but after it all wore off he was himself.

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