Suggest Treatment For Gum Pain In A Child

Posted on Tue, 30 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 May 2017 Answered on

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 5 yr old son is complaining of gum ache on lower left side. The pain is tolerable and persists for approx.1/2 hr and occurs only in the night time, it is happening since last Wed. I can feel a small bulge at the spot. Looks to me his first permanent molars are kicking in. Am applying ice on the spot as of now, I have not given any pain killers. Please suggest what needs to be done. I have attached the pics for reference.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like due to erupting molar only..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Yes, as per the pictures you have attached it looks like the erupting permanent molar tooth that has not torn through the gums till now..
You can continue doing ice packs but along with it you can give Acetaminophen or Paracetamol and apply Lidocaine gel over the area but be cautious to apply a little amount and only over the sore area and ask your son to spit out the saliva and do not swallow..
If the pain does not get better or persist then consult a Dentist and get an x ray done..

Hope this helps..

Regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (38 minutes later)

Thank you doctor. How much time it generally takes the teeth to erupt out of the guys?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Depends..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
It depends on exactly what is the position of the tooth..
If it is just under the gum then it can break through the gum in about a week to 10 days.

Hope this helps..
Regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T