My friends daughter has really bad tooth decay?

She told me about her little girls bad tooth a long time ago- June maybe? It hurt her to brush it. I looked in her mouth, about a third of her molar was rotten. I thought she should take her girl to the dentist (she is about 2 years old) and asked if she had insurance. She does, but has a copay. Funny thing is, every time I am with her she buys candy and stuff. She can afford that but not a dentist?


She still hasnt taken her.





Is there anything I can do to help? Any ideas? It seems like child abuse to me.

My friends daughter has really bad tooth decay?
that is sad, i have seen so many little kids go through that. The parents are neglecting their hygene, so yes I think it is child abuse.


Because in the future that kid is probably going to have to those teeth removed, even if they are not permanent and that isn't a fun process to go through.





DON"T PAY, yes it would be wonderful for the child. But the way you talk about the mom, she sounds like she would become dependant upon you if something like that where to ever happen again. Yes she does need to learn for herself. If the father is in the picture cannot he not help out? Whethere they are together or not maybe you should ask him to do something.
Reply:If the child is living in pain it could be qualified as child abuse, however, if she really is a good mom just neglectful in the teeth department; I wouldn't be willing to turn a friend in for it. That being said, if you are really really concerned, you could offer to pay the copay. I know that sounds extreme, and mostly likely she won't take you up on it, but it might help her realize how serious of an issue this is. Or you could google some articles about how detrimental tooth decay is to health even in baby teeth, and print her a copy. Let her know you love her and aren't saying she's a bad mom, just wanted to let her see how serious of an issue this is. If none of this works than nothing will get to her and short of trying to report her you could sit back and hope there aren't any lasting effects to this child's health.