A hole in her gum?

[katangel26]

Hi all, my 4 year old daughter was saying this afternoon that her mouth hurt when she was eating her dinner, I had a look and on the bit of gum that is attached to one of her teeth (right in the corner) there looks like a little hole. She just ate her tea fine but says it's marmite that hurts it, I'd guess because it's quite strong.

Am going to take her to the docs tomorrow, but was thinking about taking her to my local health clinic now, any ideas on what it could be?

[andrea81]

Has she has chicken pocks? I have a hole in my gum and it was just a pock mark! It's still there and used to hurt like an ulser, but now it feels normal!

[katangel26]

Hi Andrea, no she's not had chicken pox. Was just really alarmed as it's a hole, I've just been told it might be an ulcer, didn't think they could get ulcers that young!

[andrea81]

Yes could very well be. I get a lot of ulsers when I use colgate toothpaste. Could be that!

I know my son who's 4 has had an ulser before, but he was unwell and a bit run down!

Bless I hate ulsers, but I bet that's what it is. Try not to worry (stupid thing to say as you will) but you the doctor will rest your mind I'm sure

XXX

[MrXLA]

take her to the dentist (doctors (doctors have no training in conditions affecting the oro-facial region)

[MrXLA]

It could be amongst other things:
- a sinus tract/fistula as a result of a dentoalveolar periradicular infcetion AKA 'abscess'
- ulcer
- trauma
- burn e.g. hot food
- contact dermatitis/allergy induced
- rimary herpetic gingivostomatitis
etc...

- most conditions are benign and easily diagnosed

[katangel26]

I'm worried now after that list! She did say that it might be hot food but I jusy thought she was being silly.

Should I make an emergency appointment for tomorrow in your opinion? x

[MrXLA]

- the list isn't comprehensive and not intended to worry you, so I'm sorry if I have
- if she has no swelling outside or inside her mouth or face
- if she appears otheriwse well and 'normal' then its unlikley to be anything serious
- you could always make an appointment just for re-assurance however and I think its worth getting looked at in any case
NB a doctor would be able to make a diagnosis of exclusion i.e. they would have an idea of what its not but ideally if its in the mouth and nowhere else the dentist is the best place to go

[MrXLA]

How did it go Katangel26 ?