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Dentistry/discolored molars

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Question
My son is 7 years old.  All four of his back molars are very discolored.  He was treated for an H Pylori infection when he was three years old which required antibiotics, a blood transfusion, and 3 months of liquid iron.  I am wondering if this could be the cause of the discoloration or if there is another possibility that should be explored.  He has been seen by his dentist who advised that the discoloration may need to be treated with whitening in the future.  I just want to make sure this is not a sign of something more serious that may need to be addressed.


Answer
It is very likely that the problem with the first permanent molars was the result of the episode at age 3 years.  It is fortunate that the incisors were not also affected by the same factors.  Those affected areas of the teeth should be carefully monitored by the dentist as they may be more vulnerable to decay or excessive wear.  Should that happen there are good materials and methods available for managing the situation.

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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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