You are here:

Dentistry/loose tooth- greying

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/7/2008


Question
QUESTION: Hi- my son, who is recently 6 years old, has his first loose tooth. We first noticed it 2 days ago, and it was a normal white color. But now it is grey and he complains that the tooth hurts him. It is much looser, but still not coming out. What should we do? Should I be concerned?

ANSWER: That depends on which tooth you are referring to.  Please reply with a better description of the position of this tooth in the mouth.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The tooth is in the front row, on the bottom. it is just grey at the base, and this morning has not changed or progressed in color. Thanks again!

Answer
That tooth is usually the first tooth to fall out which is expected at age 6.  As the tooth loosens there may be some very minor bleeding in the gum and this can cause the tooth to take on a darker color.  The discomfort is quite usual and the loss of the tooth can be hastened if your son attempts to wiggle the tooth and make it looser until it falls out.  Then it will be 1 down and 19 to go.

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.