What could it be? My 7 year old has a large whole on the surface of his back tooth, his gum is a little red.?

Question

You can see inside the tooth and food gets caught up in it. Should I take him to a dentist or can i take care of it at home. What are some things I can do for him. It is a baby tooth.

Answer 1

Could be a cavity...

I once had a friend who had a hole on the back of 2 of his teeth.  They weren't cavities though, he said the dentist called them "wells", just natural holes in his teeth.  The dentist had them filled so cavities won't form on them.  Either way, you should get it checked out.

Answer 2

sounds a little like a cavity... i would take him to the dentist, especially if you have insurance. i know it is costly but his health may be at risk.. does he brush his teeth regularly?  does he say if he has any pain in the tooth or does he complain of tooth, head or ear aches. good luck and i hope the issue is resolved,

Answer 3

Definitely make an appointment to see the dentist, and until then, ensure he continues to brush all of the teeth, and if the one with the hole and red gum is hurting, to just brush gently over it and afterward rinse a lot in that area with water. You'll probably want to encourage him to do so after all meals and all snacks and all beverages, and maybe cut down on the malic acid (found in salt and vinegar chips and some candies/sweets), phosphoric acid (colas), and monosodium glutamate (most flavored salty snacks, except for plain/lightly salted chips and most salt & vinegar flavored stuff).

I read somewhere of a study that real vanilla bean is good for the teeth so a small not too thick vanilla bean milkshake may soothe some agony and help keep teeth strong.

Answer 4

This is very strange. I would take him to the dentist. After all it may be a baby tooth right now, but you want to make sure this can't happen to his reg. Teeth.  Also he must be very uncomfortable with stuff getting caught in there.

Answer 5

It sounds as if your son has dental decay. If it is his back baby tooth then he will keep it for around three to five more years. He needs to be seen by a dentist quickly. If the decay has extended down into or near the pulp chamber he may require a pulpotomy (baby root canal) and stainless steel crown for the time being. They will usually want to treat this tooth to maintain the space for his adult premolars that will be coming up behind his baby molars. You don't want an infection to affect his permanent teeth. If the tooth must be extracted and is too badly decayed as of now, they may do something to maintain the space - for that you would need expert advice and help. Schedule him now to be seen, letting them know the problem over the phone. They will give you some facts on how cavities form and how to best care for his other teeth. He may have more decay than just the one tooth - they should all be checked. Good luck!

Answer 6

You definitely should. It sounds like it could be a cavity. His gums are most likely infected by the food and drink getting inside. Unless you want to make a periodontist a part of your family, get this little guy to a dentist pronto. Perhaps some orajel can help in the meantime.

Answer 7

That would be a Cavity, very common, but not good. Dentist should get it filled in, or the whole tooth removed.