Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 7/5/2007

Question
My 28 month old daughter had a bottom back tooth (next tooth down from a molar) extracted a week ago.  She didn't feel like eating the day of the operation and we didn't think anything of it.  However day by day this situation progressed with her drinking fluids, but refusing all food.  We have managed to get a little yogurt into her, but nothing for the past 48 hours.  My GP and the dental clinic say that the extraction site is healing well and there are no signs of infection.  They are unable to confirm whether her reaction is to be expected post operation and whether her mouth can really be that sore or whether she has developed a fear of eating as a result.  I have been told that she will start eating again naturally, but there is no sign of this and after 7 days she is still on regular does of Ibuprofen and Calpol.  She is terribly distressed still and there's no sign of improvement.  Can she still be suffering after affects from the general anaesthetic and the extraction after this time or has she developed a fear of eating?  I would be grateful for your opinion and any advice you can give.

Answer
Hi Alison

This does sound unusual. My initial thought is that your daughter's mouth is still rather sore, but also having a GA will have upset her generally.

Persevere with the liquids and keep in close contact with your GP.

Has she been sick at all? The Calpol/ibuprofen could also be upsetting her stomach.

Regards

Tony Appleton