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Dentistry/When should I be worried

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Expert: - 11/9/2008


Question
On monday, my 6.5 yr old fell at her school on stairs. The school nurse when she called me said that there was no bleeding but it seemed that she had knocked her two front teeth "loose" (still her "baby teeth")
When she got home I noticed that above the gum line - was a bruise. Just a small one, in the shape of an arch just above the two front teeth well "into" the gum area.

She's not complained of any pain, she's been eating apples as she always does, so I doubt the teeth are loose or hurting. But there is still a faint purplish-blue line on her gums.  

Should I be worried about this and be looking for a dentist?

Answer
Other than a bruise from the injury here doesn't seem to be any signs of significant problems here.  Look for swelling or drainage from the area as signs of an infection.  These teeth should be falling out soon.  As for a dentist, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental check up at age 2-3, so you child is long overdue for a check up which should be done every 6 months.  That's the best way to prevent problems before they become problems.

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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.

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