Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Underweight Child and Lack of Tooth Enamel
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Underweight Child and Lack of Tooth Enamel
by Pam__0__0, May 18, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Pam on May 18, 1999 at 22:55:37
I have a 2 year old that is very underweight and always has been. He was 7 lb. 13 oz. when born but since then hasn't gained very fast....He now weighs only 23 lbs. He is normal in height and is relatively active although I'd say a little weak at times. My pediatrician says "he's fine" and it's just his genes to be thin. But he is built like a newborn in bone structure ---- he looks "too thin" - smaller boned than any child I've ever seen. I've kind of always walked away from the doctors office thinking I hope he really is okay but not quite convinced. Now he is having problems with his molars - the enamel didn't form properly thus causing deterioration. He is having stainless steel crown put on 2 teeth next week. Can his poor tooth structure, his weight and tiny bone structure be related? What can I do to ensure he is going to grow up healthy with such tiny bones? I worry so much and any comment would be appreciated............
Posted by HVM M.D. - EV on May 20, 1999 at 23:05:06
DEAR PAM,
Thank you for your questions about your son.
With regard to his weight, it is important to know if he has drifted to the 5th% slowly - because many, if not most, children do drift to their genetically programmed weight over time - usually by age 2 years. Probably your son 's weight is fine - but I would encourage you to review his growth curves with his doctor.
With regard to his poor dentition - most dental disorders are isolated conditions - unrelated to any other part of the body. They need to be treated early to prevent permanent damage. Sometimes simple, islolated events - like a prior illness - can affect tooth formation. More complicated processes - like disturbances in mineral deficiency are unusual but can occur. For instance, some forms of rickets can affect bone and tooth formantion. Again, this would be unusual, but I would encourage you to consult your Pediatrician, as well as your dentist about any possible association. And finally, you can always get a second opinion to confirm your own Pediatrician's findings. At the very least, you will know that you have asked all the appropriate questions.
Hope this helps. Good luck, DR. EV
