Possible Cavity

Hey all! While brushing Aurielle's teeth tonight I noticed a spot on her back left molar. At first it looked black, but when I took a closer look it looked pink. I thought it might be a piece of food stuck in her molar, but as I brushed more it didn't come out. She didn't seem to be in any discomfort, but she was squirmy (she hates getting her teeth brushed). I never noticed it before today and she gets her teeth brushed every night before bed. She's been off the bottle since 11 months, we don't feed her or her sister sweets or very much juice (they get 1/2 water 1/2 juice maybe once a week). Not sure what could have caused this. To me, it looks like a piece of her gum from when her tooth broke through, but she's had her molars for a bit now so I'm not sure. Anyone have any experience with this? I'm terrified! Found out at the doctor's today that they were dropped from their insurance because it expired (they were on state care) and it might take a bit for them to be reinstated. Not sure when she will get to see a doctor, so I'm hoping this isn't anything serious.

 

Could it be an operculum?

Basically a flap of tissue that still remains over a partially erupted tooth...



It doesn't sound like she's at high risk for tooth decay.... The only risk factor that you haven't mentioned is frequent use of a sippy cup throughout the day (or night) with any liquid other than water. The sippy cup is becoming very bad on kids teeth when parents put juice, even milk in it and let children drink on it throughout the day. Milk and juice only at meal or snack times!

I hope you get in to see someone soon, or that you can get a better look at it to put your mind at ease!!!

 

Oh no, no, no...they do not, under any circumstances suck on a sippy all day long nor do they drink milk all day long. they drink 20 ounces of milk and water for the rest of the day.

 

It does look like that but not as extreme. Just a small, pink dot.

 

Wow, based on the description, it looks like it might be what Maggie suggested. I would keep an eye on it, and bring your DD in to the doctor to have a look at it as soon as the insurance gets reinstated. I hope you can get them to reinstate it soon!! You might call the state agency and ask if you have to have a doctor's appointment if the insurance will be reinstated retroactively, so you can get reimbursed.

 

I looked at it today and it looks much better. Based on the research I found, it should go away on it's own. If it doesn't then it will cause problems like infections. Thanks for your help gals!

 

Awesome! :ibiggrin:

The picture I linked is an adult tooth, so the whole thing is bigger than what it looks like in a baby tooth. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better about it. Hope it goes away fast!