Dental question for 4.5 year old

[RachelHRD]

A quick dental question for any experts. DS 4 1/2 banged one of his front teeth quite badly 18 months/2 years ago and I took him for a check up as it went quite grey and was advised that it might fall out or go black etc.

It went back to a reasonably normal colour and at his last check up all was OK but I have noticed that there a white patch at the end of the tooth and being the worry wort I am - am imagining the worst!! He is a bit overdue a check up but is good with his brushing - at least 2x daily and I have moved him up to the age 4+ tooth paste. The rest of his teeth look OK as far as I can see/ he will let me!!

Advice would be appreciated!!

is it just a baby tooth? If so, he will lose it at some point soon anyway so I wouldnt worry about the discolouration.

Yes baby tooth - was just concerned it might be a sign of decay?

Thanks

Totally normal. Happened to my dd (now 8) when she was 2 & also to my youngest (3). With dd1, it went dark (indicator that the nerve supply had been severed, so the tooth had died) then after a while (can't remember how long) it lightened up somewhat. Tooth stayed in place,completely symptom free until it was time for it to come out & her adult one to come in.

With dd2, it si still dark, but it is a recent injury.

I was a dental nurse for 15 yrs & have seen it happen in cases as it happened to dd1, so I wouldn't worry too much. If he starts to complain of pain, or you notice a lump in the gum above/behind it see your dentist asap!

I would say the white patch is discolouration. The tooth will not return to it's normal colour completely. Decay is usually brown, unless it arrests (stops growing) then it is black.

Thanks all feeling less worried now Must book him in for a check up though and Dd (2) although whether she will open her mouth is another story.....
What age did you start taking them for check up's?

We usually said about 2, but to some along with mum/dad/older sibling to see what happens. Generally 2 is a good age!