Texas Toddler Dies After A Visit To The Dentist

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A fourteen month old toddler named Daisy Lynn Torres has died after a “routine” visit to the dentist.

The Mother, Betty Squire, is now demanding answers after she took her daughter to have two cavities filled at Austin Children’s Dentistry in northwest Austin. Squire said that she was told that her daughter would be put under anesthesia but was assured that it was a routine procedure and something that was done all the time.

The procedure unfortunately took a horrible turn when the toddler stopped breathing and had to be rushed to North Austin Medical Center where she was pronounced dead five hours later.

A Fundraising site set up for raising funds for funeral expenses states “despite efforts by the hospital staff, she passed away this morning. This was completely unexpected and has shattered this family’s world”

Austin Children’s Dentistry posted the following statement on their Facebook page following the incident: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the child who was lost this week. The child was transported from our Hymeadow location to a hospital and later passed. For privacy of the family and legal requirements we are unable to share additional details. This is a tragedy. Our deepest condolences go out to the family.”

An investigation as to the actual cause of death is still being conducted which will include an analysis of the autopsy report.

80 Comments

  1. Isa

    April 12, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    I’m terribly sorry for the loss of the family… But honestly, two cavity fillings with 14 months?? First of, why does a young baby like this already has cavities and second, why would the dentist perform and push for such a procedure???!

    • Alicia

      June 9, 2016 at 10:44 pm

      I was thinking the exact same thing. I have a late bloomer when it comes to teeth coming in, but there is no way I would have her go through such a procedure, even if she 17 months now. Poos little tyke.

    • Stacy

      June 10, 2016 at 4:40 am

      I agree with you Isa two cavities at that age ??? Wow!!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
      Everyone else get a grip we all have our opions & options to say what we feel. No one was bashing anyone we all just wanted to know why this baby had two cavities at that age. Unless your a dentist don’t tell or think that you know the answer because you don’t !!!! All everyone wants to know is why !! Nothing wrong with that !!! Be kind to one another at this very difficult time of the lost of this beautiful child.

  2. Isa

    April 12, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    Also no x-rays or full sedation should be done on young children!!! This is very BAD!! Full sedation can be deadly for kids with asthma. I’ve posted this article on their Yelp page… I hope others will stay away from this office!

  3. Amy Fortin

    April 12, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    Why did a 14 month old have 2 cavities that had to be filled? That was the red flag for me from this article.

    • Deb T.

      April 13, 2016 at 2:16 pm

      I agree with you, Amy. Why would a dentist want to fill cavities in baby teeth, which are going to fall out anyway when the permanent ones emerge? This is very suspect to me.

      • Samantha

        May 29, 2016 at 11:58 pm

        Because adult teeth are under the baby teeth so if the baby teeth don’t get fixed they can/will damage the permanent teeth. Yall should research about teeth before you talk badly about dentists. I hope you don’t have any kids.

        • Shalonda

          May 31, 2016 at 12:10 pm

          Exactly! My youngest daughter, who is now 7, has had cavities filled and has had silver caps put on baby teeth. She was very premature, 24wks, and the enamel didn’t fully form on her teeth and made them more vulnerable. So people need to shut up not knowing why this precious baby needed this work done. Rest in peace baby girl.

        • John

          June 9, 2016 at 9:40 pm

          Because he(the dentist) gets to charge for filling two teeth rather than just pull them and wait for adult teeth to grow in!

  4. Kendra

    April 13, 2016 at 1:13 am

    How terrible and sad.

  5. Dawn Schade

    April 13, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    I agree with these people, a 14 month old should NOT have cavities! What where these parents feeding her?!?! Also they should not have out her under full sedation. Thats just nuts.

  6. EJ

    April 13, 2016 at 6:13 pm

    Instead of chastising the mother or the dental office, each of us should consider the entire story.

    1. Some children are born with teeth succeptible to infections and bacteria growth, which leads to cavities. This child may have been one, so stop implying this mother was to blame for improper care or hygiene for this child.

    2. The dental office most likely sat down with the mother and discussed the risks of NOT giving the child fillings… a theraputic pulpotomy or root canal could be required if cavities are left to get worse, even in baby teeth. These procedures are costly!

    3. The dental office most likely discussed with the mother the risks of placing a child under anesthesia. I know that when my 2 year old had to be anesthetized I was giving written information and had to have a lengthy consult before her procesures/surgeries. The mother would likely have been required to sign documentation consenting to the treatment and confirming she was advised of the health risks.

    4. The likelihood of the dental office intentionally or even neglectfully “killing” this child is absolutely absurd! What would they have to gain from it? They would only serve to lose everything if they were intentionally or neglectful “killing” children.

    Every single person out there judging and blaming either the mother or the dental office should take a step back and recognize that accidents happen. This one is tragic. Until either side is proven to be at fault, maybe we should show love and support, empathy rather than judgement. Let he who is perfect cast the first stone!

    To the mother – I am sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. I apologize on behalf of those judging you without merit. I pray God’s peace as you struggle to understand what has happened.

    To the dental office staff – I pray that those directly involved in caring for this child are able to find peace as well.

    I pray that justice be done and answers found for all parties involved.

    • Kelsey

      April 15, 2016 at 6:08 pm

      Thank you.

    • Shalonda

      May 31, 2016 at 12:15 pm

      Thank you! These people are just commenting to be doing something and not educating themselves on the MANY reasons as to why. Once again, THANK YOU for educating the ignorant ones.

    • Ree

      June 9, 2016 at 10:27 pm

      Yes i agree my 4 year old had caps poot on where he was 2 and they had a very strived requirements on upting my son under he had to be over 32 lbs and no known illness like Asama or SIDS sevivor

    • Toni

      June 9, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      Well said.

    • Elise

      June 10, 2016 at 12:37 am

      Thank you. This is just what I was telling my own daughter. She happened to read this article as well.

    • KT Kn

      June 10, 2016 at 2:23 am

      EJ Thanks for your well thought out response. My daughter had 2 cavities at the age of 4, She never had soda, rarely had sweets and we brushed daily at minimum 2 times a day but she unfortunately has my “irish” teeth.

      I took her in to her dentist every 6 months to the dentist. When we found out she had 2 cavities between her teeth, I was explained that if we let them go that it could effect the health of her incoming adult te
      I was Leary of it, then a thunderstorm hit, literally. When the lights came back on my daughters whites of her eyes were BRIGHT pink. the Nurse checked the levels, and the oxygen was out. I asked over and over again wwhat was happening and they slyly put a new canister up to one of the gas connections and cranked it. I wrote letters, I called but due to a litigous society I could only get very carefully legally crafted responses, NO I never went back to that childrens dentist in Arlington Heights IL

      Yes my daughter is fine, no there was no discernible damage to her. however my daughter was extremely bright, reading by 3 super early in everything she did etc. I lived a nightmare and still to this day when my daughter has struggles understanding what I am telling her on homework and other items I wonder if this one incident killed millions of her braincells (I have a friend who is an adult dentist that guided me through understanding the extent of problem. He explained that prolonged exposure to the “laughing gas” and lack of oxygen could cause damamge to her brain but it would have been evident right away.

      BUT There isnt a day that goes by that I dont wish I just made her get novacain. Please do not judge this mom but please re consider using anything but novacain at the dentist. To me the pain of the shot etc, I lived through it as a child and it made me never want to get a cavity ever again.

      K

    • Debbie M

      June 10, 2016 at 7:30 pm

      Thank you ej. Some people responding are not educated in preventative dentistry. For those people,a deciduous tooth or a baby tooth is an important space maintainer for the permenant tooth or teeth to erupt in proper alignment. Also,as well as being painful if it reaches the pulp, an infected baby tooth can damage the permenant one under it. No dentist would ever want this to happen. When using local or general anesthetic, especially general anesthetic, there is always a risk of a negative reaction. And like you said, the mother was I’m sure informed of this.

  7. mmuna

    April 14, 2016 at 3:51 am

    They don’t waste any time with go fund me stuff. Maybe the dentist should just pay for the funeral to avoid the multimillion dollar lawsuit I am Sure mommy plans next…getting rich quick right? Poor kid

    • Christal

      June 9, 2016 at 10:20 pm

      You can’t be serious! Getting rich quick. This mother lost her child I’m sure that would be the least of her concerns at the moment. Also, if the dentist was at fault, they should be sued but that’s not your place to address that now is it?

    • Lorri

      June 10, 2016 at 7:11 pm

      Anyone can set up a Go Fund account for anyone. This account could have been set up by a neighbor or friend or relative who knows that the family does not have money for a funeral. I’m guessing someone who knows and loves this family set up the account in order to take away some of the burden from the family. You should try thinking good thoughts once in a while, mmuna. As for suing the dentist, if someone killed your child (accidently or otherwise), I’m pretty sure that once the child is buried and the initial grief has passed, you just might think of getting an attorney. I hope your life brightens up.

  8. Kelly

    April 15, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    You people commenting disgust me! Educate yourselves! There are a number of reasons why a child that young could have cavities without it being from an excess of sugar.
    My toddler had to go under anesthesia to remove four of his front teeth after they decayed from being allergic to antibiotics. The reaction caused his teeth to slowly decay. In addition, my friends toddler had four front teeth removed from decay due to night nursing. Studies show that breastmilk doesn’t cause tooth decay, HOWEVER, the older the child and especially when nursing during sleep (salvia production slows down) are more susceptible to tooth decay.

  9. Melanie

    April 15, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    My son was 1 1/2 years old when he had dental surgery to put caps in his teeth because he had cavities. I always did everything I could to prevent cavities but I had noticed them almost as soon as his front teeth appeared. I was told that if we waited too long the cavities would do more damage. He had dental surgery at a children’s hospital in case of any complications and because they had to put him under anesthesia due to his age. It was a very scary decision but I wanted to do what was best for my child. Luckily everything went well. My thoughts and prayers go out to this little girl’s family who have just lost their child.

  10. Hansen Fam

    June 9, 2016 at 1:46 am

    14 Months with cavities, How does that happen?

    • Carrie Wehling Roehrig

      June 9, 2016 at 1:47 am

      My dentist wont even see my kids until they are 3.

    • Hansen Fam

      June 9, 2016 at 1:49 am

      Ya, I have a 14 month and don’t plan to go till she actually has a solid set of teeth and it’s needed. This is so crazy & sad.

    • Tina Azzopardi-Thurston

      June 9, 2016 at 2:43 am

      Carrie Wehling Roehrig 3 is the required age unless there is a problem.

    • Ashley Young

      June 9, 2016 at 6:07 pm

      Juice!! I know of a 2 year old who has cavities all over due to drinking nothing but juice. Babies should be drinking water or milk. With a little diluted juice every so often as a treat.

  11. Sandra Helig

    June 9, 2016 at 1:49 am

    YOU (parent) should be brushing their teeth from the time of the first barely viewable tooth 2x a day! They shouldn’t have cavities. I am sorry for thus family’s loss of their child … So sad for everyone and tragic for dentist/staff.

  12. Erica King

    June 9, 2016 at 1:54 am

    Do Dsad praying for this family

  13. Kristina Garrison

    June 9, 2016 at 2:00 am

    so sad but makes no sense on so many levels

  14. Wendy Trujillo

    June 9, 2016 at 2:14 am

    Juan A Trujillo

  15. Victoria Lara

    June 9, 2016 at 2:29 am

    My son is almost 2 and his first visit to the dentist was at 6 month. They just check to see if his teeth are coming in ok. Every 6 month is his checkup. I brush his teeth every day and they are perfect. Praying for the family

  16. Ariadna Miller

    June 9, 2016 at 2:30 am

    Josh Miller

  17. Monica Alvarado

    June 9, 2016 at 2:53 am

    Who takes a toddler to a dentist?! My son is 8 years old and went to his first dentist visit! No cavaties, will need braces but that’s cosmetic. As a parent, you have to be on top of things! From when they start growing teeth, brush them. There really is no need to take them to the dentist so young, their teeth come in and fall out till their 6 years old.

    • Shawna McAuley-Chartrand

      June 9, 2016 at 3:18 am

      Toddlera should go to a dentist! 8! Thats crazy. My 3 children have gone since two years old. Its starts as a well check, helps them get used to it and then dentists can check for any issues. Maybe if your son went before 8, the dentist may be able to give you ideas about his teeth so he wouldnt need braces? See..thats me being “jugdy”. Doesnt feel great about me questioning your parenting right? Leave these ppl alone. Stop judging ppl who you dont know and the cirsumstances you dont know. My very well respected dentist recommenda EVERY child be seen about 2 years old. We also have screenings for kids in schools by hygenists starting in jk (thats 4 years old, not 8!) they want children seen the earlier they can be. It helps find any possible problems. Just like well baby dr. Appts. Do you take your baby in to the doc when he is 4? Or do you see a doc for check ups? Stop being one of those judgy parents. Its got to stop. All of you in here…ridiculous. this parent was right to take a toddler in.

    • Jade McRae

      June 9, 2016 at 3:24 am

      When you have teeth you should go to a dentist. Duh.

    • Brittanni Cook

      June 9, 2016 at 3:27 am

      Omg you should take your toddler to the dentist as soon as they start getting teeth. You can cause irreparable damage to their teeth/mouths before they even start getting adult teeth

    • Monica Alvarado

      June 9, 2016 at 3:32 am

      Thanks tips

    • Abby Johnson Schnackel

      June 9, 2016 at 3:47 am

      STFU

    • Clesio-Catia Januario Varudo

      June 9, 2016 at 3:58 am

      Lol my first trip to the dentist was when I was in my teens 16 or so because my wisdom teeth were hurting me
      First world problems, my son is 4 and hasn’t gone to the dentist, we brush his teeth once a day (not twice) and with a non fluoride tooth paste…he has perfect healthy white teeth. Of course his diet is also very good with sweets as an occasional treat and water and milk as the only drinks his allowed.
      This is a very unfortunate event, it also reminds people that there is nothing “routine” about a general anaesthetic, people can have adverse reactions to it!

    • Natalie Lynn Walls

      June 9, 2016 at 4:23 am

      Uhm my husband and I took my 20 month old daughter to the dentist! She’s got most of her teeth so it’s best for them to start having their check ups every 6 months now. However, mine didn’t have cavities. That’s what I don’t get. Don’t understand why a toddler would be having that type of procedure done at such a young age. No judgement here, sad situation. Prayers for the family.

    • Ellie Cotillier

      June 9, 2016 at 4:38 am

      Shawna McAuley-Chartrand exactly!

    • Buz Lightyear

      June 9, 2016 at 4:57 am

      sometimes medication can cause cavities too!!!! iron!!!

      if yout child is premature maybe the child needs iron or other medications ;!and that can ruin the teeth. dont judge a situation you’ve never been in!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Louise Delaney-Joyce

      June 9, 2016 at 5:08 am

      Here in New Zealand you take kids as soon as they turn 1, they check gums progress of teeth coming etc they even provide toothbrushes and toothpaste etc as well as the healthcare providers that look after them for their monthly check ups they provide these also if you haven’t already bought. I find it a positive because even if there is nothing wrong my child is getting comfortable and used to visiting dentists

    • Jesicca Iriarte

      June 9, 2016 at 12:27 pm

      Natalie Lynn Walls sometimes it’s genetic. How devastating for the family.

    • Paula Papandrea

      June 10, 2016 at 11:21 am

      Aren’t you so perfect! Glad that’s what you got out of this article!
      All I read was that the most precious life was lost. These parents will never hold their baby girl again….. Due to NO ONEs FAULT!!! But rather under tragically unfortunate circumstances!!!

  18. Louise Delaney-Joyce

    June 9, 2016 at 2:54 am

    Parents giving their kids soda in baby bottles, not brushing there teeth etc that’s how that happens

  19. Erin Taylor-Moore

    June 9, 2016 at 2:58 am

    For anyone voicing their dismay about such a young child having cavities should be ashamed! I dont imagine its child neglect, some people are predisposed to certain health problems. The mom took her child to the dentist, what a maniac!

    Disgusted by the human race on a regular basis.

    • Sandra Helig

      June 9, 2016 at 3:46 am

      Its great that anyone goes to the dentist! Everyone should be fortunate to be able to go to the dentist! My comment and i presume the other comment re children shouldn’t have cavities is for admonishing people who do not brush their baby’s or toddler’s or child’s teeth 2xday. I get cavities-my brother doesn’t… But 2 yrs old? Still, i hope they find out what happened though it will be of little consolation.

    • Paula Papandrea

      June 10, 2016 at 11:25 am

      Gotta love how they kick when someone is down!!! infuriating!

  20. Shawna McAuley-Chartrand

    June 9, 2016 at 3:11 am

    I agree Erin Taylor-Moore! My kids went to the dentist at 2! Thats when we were advised. So they could get used to sitting there. NOT 6!!! by six they should have had many cleanings and flouride treatments if needed. Yes, pop and juice and milk given in bottles for a baby to go to bed with is not smart…but there are many other reasons why a child may get cavities. Some are predisposed, some get big teeth without much of a space…and its difficult to floss a year olds teeth. Jeez….judge judge judge…thats all ppl do without even knowing all the details. Get a grip. This is tragic for the family and the dentist.

  21. Natalie Palermo

    June 9, 2016 at 3:22 am

    Heartbreaking

  22. Casey Wilkinson

    June 9, 2016 at 4:10 am

    Took mine annually whilst under 4

  23. Amanda Noel Spaanstra

    June 9, 2016 at 4:58 am

    Not sure how a toddler can already have cavities

  24. Mara Jelena Ilicic

    June 9, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Why has a 14 month old got two cavities already?!

  25. Mara Jelena Ilicic

    June 9, 2016 at 10:11 am

    They actually
    Recommend going around 1 year of age .
    Get them
    Used to
    The dentist and get their teeth checked!!

  26. Paula Papandrea

    June 9, 2016 at 11:50 am

    ……How about a family just lost the most precious little girl and will be absolutely devastated and grieving forever!!! Don’t you think that’s the point here! Keep your judgement to yourselves

  27. Heather Lynn

    June 9, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    I don’t understand how toddlers have cavities already my almost 3 year old she loves brushing her teeth but we usually only brush at night time and she has no cavities, my 7 year old son doesn’t have any cavities either,but he hates brushing his teeth but he does brush of not at night time on the morning is a must before he goes off to school.

    No parent should have to worry about a child passing from a dentist trip so sorry for their loss:(

  28. Babett Horn

    June 9, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    WHO CARES ABOUT CAVATIES OR NOT????!!! GOD, WE ARE SUCH A JUDGEMENTAL SOCIETY. A CHILD DIED!!!! A FAMILY IS IN DEEP GRIEF!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE????!!!! Dear family, I know the pain of loosing a child…my heart empathises with you.

  29. Anna Caroline

    June 9, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    By age 1 the child should have their first dental checkup. If the child gets cavities it is the parents fault for neglecting their oral health!

  30. Anna Caroline

    June 9, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    Perfect “white” “healthy” teeth does not mean healthy teeth or gums FYI!

  31. Alexandra Korovilas

    June 9, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    This story is very tragic for everyone involved. My condolences to the family. What I don’t get is why does a 14 month old have cavities.

  32. Beret

    June 9, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    It just pisses me off how people are asking why thus precious Lil girl had cavities, and not even acknowledging she has passed away. Her poor family is already going through enough pain of the lose of the baby girl. Shut up already about why she had cavities, it happens so what, she listed to the dentist and felt it was necessary. I feel horrible for this family and there precious angle may she REST I’M PEACE!! AND MAY HER FAMILY IGNORE THESE NEGATIVE COMMENTS of the ignorant. God bless!!

  33. M Audrey Dawn

    June 9, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Jade Corcoran 14 months! Cavities!? Anesthesia!?

    • Jade Corcoran

      June 9, 2016 at 11:24 pm

      Yes unfortunately it happens. I have never heard of a child dying but it would be a risk of GA I imagine. Terrifying to say the least. That’s why I will practically tie Judah down to brush.

  34. Nv

    June 9, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    Wait, is this a joke. Cavities at that age. There is something wrong with these parents. Also, everyone knows no sedation at this age. Come on people.

  35. Marie

    June 9, 2016 at 10:32 pm

    Rest with God little angel he has called you home +++

  36. Alison

    June 9, 2016 at 11:32 pm

    To everyone who has inferred that Daisy’s cavities were a reflection of poor parenting, please understand that those comments are of no consequence right now. This family has suffered the unimaginable, so to offer up anything other than condolences seems very unkind. Additionally, my daughter’s dentist explained to me when my daughter was a toddler that cavities can develop quite easily in toddlers’ baby teeth if they eat a lot of dried fruits. I used to give my daughter dried fruits all the time when she was younger, as they were mess-free and easy to take on the road with us. I thought I was being a great mom by feeding her only organic foods, and including dried fruits in her diet as a way to increase fiber and vitamins intake. I had no idea that because of this, she’d have the very early signs of cavities in two of her teeth at 2 1/2 years of age! I promise you that these two cavities were not a result of negligence or sub-par parenting! Instead of criticizing Daisy’s family (and each other), let’s simply send warmth and sympathy to people who could use that now, more than ever.

  37. Mel Bell

    June 10, 2016 at 12:27 am

    There is NOTHING routine about having anesthesia, especially in pediatrics. There needs to be more regulation of this! Here in Canada too!

    Also, socioeconomics, genetics, medical, behavioral factors all play into dental health.

  38. Anne Marie

    June 10, 2016 at 6:16 am

    My heart hurts for this baby and her family. I can not imagine the pain they are experiencing. Rest in piece baby girl.
    I am not a person that judges others and I can’t say that anyone is at fault for this baby girl’s death. One thing that I would like to say is that procedures that require anesthesia should be taken very seriously. I am a pediatric RN and a mother of 2 with another on the way. When children have scheduled procedures that require them being anesthetized, they should always have a physical by their primary care provider prior to the procedure (approximately 5-7 days before procedure). Vital signs including the child’s weight and height should be obtained and compared to the data from the primary physician. Since these medications are weight based, the calculations that determine how much of the drug the child will get has to be very accurate. There is so much to consider when administering anesthetics.
    I don’t believe these procedures should be done in a medical office…especially where children are involved. If it is an option and the child is under the age of 6, these procedures should be done in a hospital setting. My 6 year old recently had cavities filled and had to be “put to sleep”. I was really uncomfortable when my dentist told me that they would be doing the procedure In the office. I voiced my concerns and they gave me the option to have it done in the local children’s hospital with an anesthesiologist present. I was still scared but I felt more comfortable having it done with the proper staff and monitoring in place.
    I am sharing this information so that people can be a little more informed when it comes to making medical decisions. ASK questions…ask as many questions you need to until you feel comfortable.

  39. Shelly

    June 10, 2016 at 6:37 am

    My 4yo twins had to have cavities filled this past year. My sons was because his molars didn’t develop properly and his weren’t cavities yet but there was the chance for them to develop so the dr wanted to fix it before it became an issue. My girl had 2 small cavities in her front 2 teeth that I wanted to get fixed before they got worse. Hers was from the Citrus acid from juice and fruit eating thru the enamel on her teeth. Neither was from bad or not brushing, nor was it from an excess of sugar.. It just happened. As far as anastesia goes, maybe they shouldn’t have put her completely out, but I can almost guarantee that a 14m old will wiggle around in a dentist chair and possibly get hurt. It’s one of those damned either way kind of things.

    To the family, I can’t even possibly imagine what you’re going thru right now. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  40. Heather Bartow

    September 28, 2016 at 3:03 am

    Dont let dentist do fillings on a baby

  41. Jessica Richards

    September 28, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    This is an old news clip

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