PROBLEM
An 11-year-old female patient is complaining of occasional pain in the lower right quadrant of her mouth in the evenings and at night for two weeks now. The patient’s mother is concerned about possible “swelling”. This teledentistry photo taken with TelScope Telehealth System shows there is a permanent second molar emerging (“erupting”) in a normal position.
DIAGNOSIS
The tissue over the back of the tooth will recede with time as the tooth erupts into the mouth further. There is no inflammation or infection, and no treatment is indicated. The patient’s mother was instructed that the patient should brush the emerging tooth as normal. She could give her child an over the counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed.
INTERESTING FACT
Children grow, and teeth move, in the evenings and nighttime, as their growth hormone increases during this time. It is not uncommon to occasionally have discomfort from tooth movement that may come and go with no other symptoms – dental “growing pains”.
About the Author: Dr. Richard Simpson, DMD
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