What is this on my 5yo's gum?

[Bellyache99]

5yo is complaining of painful gum. Our dentist currently has no dentists due to them all having left apart from one so no appointments. Have called every dentist in my area and can't get an appointment. I've attached a photo of the white patches that are sore on the off chance that someone who knows about dentistry can advise. It doesn't look like an abscess as is white and flat. It's not round so not a canker sore. Is there anything I can put on it to soothe it? I have no idea what I'm going to do about lack of dentist!

Could you get a GP appointment instead?

Pink line shows where it's a white colour

A GP will tell you to go to your dentist.

Could it be thrush? Maybe have a look online to see if it matches the symptoms. If it is the GP should be able to prescribe something. Otherwise phone 111 and ask for an emergency dentist appointment.

I didn't know 111 covered dentistry too that's helpful.

Doesn't look like thrush from that, admittedly bad, photo. I would call 111 today. You should take him to a local pharmacy as that's probably what 111 will recommend initially, although I doubt they could help. But you can then say to 111 'I've done that already.'

Good idea. I tried to get a good photo but it is in quite an awkward place and my phone is old.

Hi I'm a dental nurse , I think it may be a small burn from some hot food and it's the skin healing back over x

It's a bit clearer here.

Looks like the mouth healing to me , the skin goes white when healing in mouth . Just my opinion but can't be sure x

Thank you. It definitely could be. Is there anything I can do to soothe? Understand it is awkward with mouth stuff!

Anbesol liquid is very good , numbs the area a bit so more comfortable x can get it from boots . They take a bit if time to heal in the mouth as always a wet environment , maybe have soft foods for a few days nothing sharp or salty like chips / crisps etc !

@Bellyache99 which area do you live in that you are not being given an appointment for your child ?

I'm in rural Norfolk. It's dire. My sister had to take her child to London.

Oh no that's really bad . Hope your child feels better and more comfortable soon x