Bleeding Gums & Chipping Teeth

Updated on June 20, 2008
T.R. asks from Greenfield, IN
24 answers

My 11 month old has 7 teeth and recently, his gums have started bleeding and his two front teeth have chipped. Dentists don't want to see him at his age. Is this normal? What can I do to help his gums and teeth? I brush them, with the gerber infant and toddler stuff. I am worried about the bleeding gums and chipped teeth.

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So What Happened?

Well, I took him to the dentist and the chipping is actually normal errosion that most children get...I just pay way too much attention!! The bleeding gums was caused by his father brushing his teeth too hard and the fact that he is teething, so his gums were raw already. However; this has started the dentist process for my son and he will be going back in six months!

Thanks so much for your concerns and suggestions!

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J.V.

answers from Lafayette on

My childs dentist told me that its a new regulation that Dentists are supposed to go by that says 1st tooth 1st visit. She said most older doc. and practices don't follow it but Dentists that specialize only in childs dentistry do. I'd try to find a kids a dentist.

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C.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

T. have you tried to find a pedatric dentist? They may want to see him and reccomend calcuim or floride suppliments to protect his teeth.
I have found some dentists think it's silly to see children early. While others want to see them the second a tooth has broken completely through the gums.
The chipping may be weak teeth. The bleeding of the gums could be an issue. Then again it could just be a diet problem. Maybe something his body needs that he's not getting.
I would keep pushing. Someone will eventually pay attention.

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L.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi T.,
Most pediatric dentist want to see kids for their first vist around the age of one. So I would definately take your child to be looked at. My kids see a great one on Rockville rd. in Indianapolis and he has an office in Greencastle also. The number is ###-###-####. Good Luck

L.

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D.S.

answers from Toledo on

My dentist said he wants to see my son 6 months after his first tooth for a checkup. I can't believe no dentists want to see your son! I'd be searching for someone that will take a look. I've never heard of a doctor refusing business. I would be concerned about the chipping teeth. Good luck!

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

The bleeding and chipped teeth does not sound normal. I would search all over your area for a dentist that will see him. If you have to find a pediatric dental specialist and they will see him. I don't know where you live but the dentist my kids go to will start seeing them at 2. Definitlely something needs to be done.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7 and 4.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Have you talked to your pediatrician? What about a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry? I'm not sure what else to tell you:( Hope it gets better soon!

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C.B.

answers from Asheville on

unfortunately dentists won't do much for a baby at that age..since it's not their adult teeth, unless it starts to cause a medical issue you're pretty much at a loss. you want to make sure that you're not over brushing as well...for an 11mo old it's twice a day & you only wipe out their mouth with a damp rag between brushings. sorry i couldn't help more.

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T.B.

answers from Columbus on

If you are in the Hilliard area, we have a great pediatric dentist that we take our daughter (now 2.5 years old) to. Her name is Dr. Josephine Strickler (Dr. JoJo), and she was recommended to us by our pediatrician. I think two of the other pediatricians in his practice take their children there as well. She is at 3913 Berry Leaf Lane (just off of Cemetery Road), and her number is ###-###-####.

I hope that helps and wish you the best in resolving this issue!

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T.P.

answers from Canton on

We found out, unfortunately, that even though there are dentists who are "pediatric" dentists, there is an age minimum of, usually, 3 yrs. Which to me, is stupid, with all of the reports out on how many children ages 12-18 months who have been getting cavities. Luckily, my sister-in-law told me of a pediatric dentist in our area, who sees kids from 12 months on. I took my son just 2 months ago, at age 24 months. So keep calling around, looking for a dentist, and maybe mention that your son has chipped 2 of his teeth. That may be an exception to them seeing him earlier than they typically would.

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T.M.

answers from Cleveland on

I would guess that the baby sustained some type of injury or maybe grinds his teeth. I would definitely take him to his pediatrician and he can suggest a dentist that will take him if needed. Hope everything is alright! Good Luck

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A.G.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi T. -
I would try to find a pediatric dentist - hopefully they would be willing to see him - or at least offer some advice to you over the phone.

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J.G.

answers from Cleveland on

Small Smiles will see babies of any age with teeth... if you are worried, you might want to take your little one to see them. My little girl needed caps put on her front 2 upper teeth. She was 3 when she needed them, but she also took a bottle to bed when she was littler and uses a binky still :( which they both can do major damage to baby teeth.

Personnaly, I would get him looked at. Sometime damaged baby teeth can cause damage to the teeth that will come in later... plus if he has bleeding gums there may be another issue.

Good luck!

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K.

answers from Cincinnati on

My first question is does your child go to daycare and maybe had an accident that you didn't know about that has caused this. It seems very odd for teeth to chip without hitting something. If he does go to daycare I would ask if he had an accident to try to find out.

That being said I would get him in to a pediatric dentist immediately. If you don't have one, I would call the Chidren's hospital nearest you and they usually have pediatric dentist there. Or call your pediatrician and have him seen there or ask for names of pediatric dentists that are nearby that they know will see younger kids.

Good luck and keep us posted on what happens.

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C.G.

answers from Cleveland on

I have a friend that has a daughter with disabilities. She spent the first year of her life in Rainbows.
She has had teeth problems her whole life. I know they take her to Rainbow's dentistry. At that age you will need a specialist or pediatric dentist. There may be a problem with calcium absorbtion, etc. I would definitely pursue it. Good luck!

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C.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Have you talked to your pedi? If not I would do so, even though it's not their permanent teeth just doesn't seem right.

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K.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Whether dentists WANT to see him an 11 month old or not, I would schedule an appointment. Contact a pediatric dentist and insist on him being seen. My son's pediatric dentist liked to see children when they first starting getting teeth, just so she could see how things were going. Call a pediatric dentist today!!

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J.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Some pediatric dentists like to see the children as soon as they have their first teeth. I would talk to your child's pediatrician and maybe call some ped dentists. Chipping teeth and bleeding gums seem out of the ordinary. I would be surprised if a dentist didn't want to see your child simply based on age.

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M.T.

answers from Cincinnati on

Please let us know what happens!! Hugs!!!!

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K.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

I would find a dentist who will look at the teeth. This does not sound normal and most dentists I know encourage you to bring them in as early as they start getting teeth just to make sure everything is fine. We've had a great dentist for my girls and anytime there is a question, he's always happy to take a look. So, I'd keep searching until someone is willing to look at him.

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J.S.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi T....My daughter was at a pediatric dentist at 7 DAYS old due to being born with a tooth...she was there 4 or 5 times before her first cleaning at 12 months. I would try calling around to some pediatric dentists in your area or ask your pedi. If you live around the Indianapolis area, our pediatric dentist is Dr. Melissa McHenry at Zionsville Pediatric Dentistry. They are located at 55 Brendon Way, Suite 500, Zionsville, IN 46077...Phone: ###-###-#### . Good Luck.

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P.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

Call Dr. Hayley Pavlov. Columbus Pediatric dentistry... ###-###-#### she'll at least take a look for you.
hope this helps!

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K.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

I don't know where you live, but Cincinnati Children's Med Center has a pediatric dentist department and I am sure they would want to see your child. I know one location they have the ped. dentist office is Mason. I don't know about the main campus and the other satellie locations for Children's but it's certainly worth a call and a visit!

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E.M.

answers from South Bend on

Your baby need to see a dentist I can't believe they won't see you if you are in the South Bend/Mishawaka are even Elkhart or GOshen look for DR JOHNS. His staff is great and I'm sure if you call and tell them what is going on they will make you an appointment. If nothing else for peace of mind.

Good Luck

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C.W.

answers from Columbus on

Definitely find a pediatric dentist (not a family practice) to take your child too!!! If you explain what is happening, they should make an appointment and atleast LOOK at your child. Guidelines now say one year old to see a dentist for the first time. Our biggest mistake was waiting until 2 1/2 for our son because everyone kept saying the age of 3. He had to be sedated last week for major dental issues. Please find a pediatric dentist. Or if you want to travel to Columbus, visit the OSU School of Dentistry for an opinion. Good Luck!

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