Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 10/1/2008

Question
Hi,

My 6 year old lost one of her top front teeth.  I know it may be normal to have a flap of the gum sortof hanging down, but I am concerned about what I am seeing.  There appears to be such a large piece of the gum hanging down that it looks like a tooth!  It's her gum as it is pink.  It was bleeding this morning but has stopped.  Most people that see her think she still has the tooth.  It's that large! Is this normal?  What could have happened?  I can email a picture if you send me an email address.  Thanks.

Answer
i really cannot give you any definitive answers without seeing things in person. it very well could be some gum tissue that sometimes will swell inside of a hollowed out baby tooth. it will bleed easily and look kind of like a tooth. you can email me the picture at jeff@dfdasmiles.com and i will see if that helps. if not, call your dentist and get your 6 year old in there for a quick evaluation. it is probably nothing more than that but put your mind at ease. go ahead and send the picture...and i will email you back with a response.

jeff dalin, dds