Is it common that my 6 year old daughter will need major dental work?

I took her to the dentist for the 1st time today and going in I knew our dental hygene pratices aren't perfect. But the dentist said she had so much decay that they will need to "put her under" to get the work done, mainly for her comfort. Is this common? I'm also scared of getting ripped off by professionals and expert that know you don't know a thing about what they do.

Is it common that my 6 year old daughter will need major dental work?
There's nothing like show-and-tell to understand the problem.


Before deciding to put your child in for extensive treatment, the dentist should have taken Xrays. Ask them to show you the decay on the Xrays, and if you're still not sure, take her for a 2nd opinion.


Sometimes a GA is the quickest and kindest way for a child of this age or younger to get multiple problems fixed.
Reply:Lots of kids need extensive work and true sometimes it's easier to do it all at once as opposed to multiple visits. But definately get a light and little mirror and look in there yourself too.


Dental hygeine is only one part of a story, and some kids are just predisposed to dental problems, so don't feel bad.
Reply:If your dentist is claiming her teeth are in that bad of shape, you should be able to see that for yourself. I never heard of that severe a case for a 6 year old. IF I were you, and if you don't think her teeth are in that bad a shape, call around and see if you can find a pediatric dentist and bring her in for a second opinion. When you go, ask the dentist to specifically point out all her problems to you so you can verify the problems. I would not consider putting a child 'under'. A pediatric dentist should know how to handle a young child without doing that. Good luck.
Reply:Yes, this is very common. Many parents do not realize the importance of fluoride, limiting milk and juice even. Many parents will lay their baby down with milk or juice and this is like laying a child down with straight sugar. Or, they will allow their child to walk around with a bottle or sippy cup of milk, juice, or Kool Aid all day. This is BAD. Letting a child snack and drink things all day causes non stop sugar feeding of the bacteria in the mouth which makes cavities. Most parents do not help their children floss, which is a major no no. They will have cavities and need lots of work. For many parents, they bring their children in at 2 or 3 and find this out. You just waited longer. You could probably look in her mouth and see the cavities/dark spots.