Scranton Mom Charged After Girl, 7, Said Her Teeth Hurt Too Much to Eat Solid Food

Posted: October 5, 2026

Scranton Mom Charged After Girl, 7, Said Her Teeth Hurt Too Much to Eat Solid Food

Edited by Dentaltown staff

A 7-year-old girl in Scranton, Pennsylvania, told investigators the only time she wasn’t in pain was when she was asleep, according to a criminal complaint. When caseworkers finally got her to a dentist, staff found 10 cavities, large areas of decay, and a child who had never received any dental care.

Her mother, Maria Lopez-Paz, 39, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, The Times-Tribune reported. She remains in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $200,000 bail.

The investigation began Sept. 10, when Scranton police responded to reports of a child not being fed and possible drug use in the home, according to the newspaper. A case manager with the county Office of Youth and Family Services told officers the girl wasn’t attending school because she hadn’t been vaccinated.

Police set up an emergency interview and medical assessment at the Children’s Advocacy Center. According to the complaint, the girl said her teeth hurt so badly she couldn’t eat solid food, and when she was hungry, she drank milk. She also raised concerns about cockroaches, rats, and bugs in the home.

On Sept. 14, caseworkers took her to a dentist. Staff determined she had never had dental care of any kind, and the exam turned up 10 cavities and large areas of decay. She needed multiple extractions and other procedures, Gray News reported, citing the complaint.

Investigators also noted the girl hadn’t seen a doctor since 2024, when the family moved to Pennsylvania. The Office of Youth and Family Services has since taken custody of her.

Lopez-Paz has been charged, not convicted. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 14 before District Judge Laura Turlip.

Sources:
The Times-Tribune, “Scranton woman accused of neglecting 7-year-old daughter,” Sept. 30, 2026:
thetimes-tribune.com/scranton-woman-accused-of-neglecting
Gray News via WABI, “Mother accused of letting 7-year-old daughter’s teeth decay, leaving her unable to eat solid food,” Oct. 2, 2026:
wabi.tv/mother-accused-teeth-decay


Scranton Mom Charged After Girl, 7, Said Her Teeth Hurt Too Much to Eat Solid Food

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