lump at back of mouth behind back tooth

[katydid02]

DC (8) has a large, tender lump on his gum right at the back behind his back tooth, it's where his wisdom teeth will be when he is older. The other side is also larger but not as large.

Any ideas? Also, dentist or doctor?

Thanks.

It's likely to be:

1. Normal anatomy that has become irritated through poor brushing, or occasionally by being bitten.
2. Part of the eruption process of a 12 year molar ( but he's a bit young for that).
3. Possibly a dental abscess.

There are other less likely causes. He should see a dentist, not a doctor as a dentist can take an X-ray, and knows about mouths. Doctors IME do not.

In the mean time, get a tube of corsadyl gel and apply to the area. Use floss to work it into the gum by sliding it down the back of the last tooth.

Thanks, I'll phone the dentist and see if I can get him in.