Any dentists please?

[mnahmnah]

My son was due a dental checkup just as lockdown started. He isn’t great at having his teeth brushed and he’s getting a little build-up on his lower teeth. So, I’ve been brushing a little harder and longer. He’s been complaining since yesterday that his gums hurt and is struggling to eat properly. We just had a look and there’s a white line along one side of his lower gums. Picture attached, it isn’t great. Have I damaged them by brushing too hard? Or is there another issue? We’re away from home visiting my mum for 3 weeks, so no idea how we would see a dentist if we need to. Thank you if you can advise! Great timing with the weekend!

I'm not a dentist but that looks like an ulcer.

Yes that looks like an ulcer to me too

I know it’s a bad photo. It’s more of a white ridge in a line, going along three teeth

I still think ulcer and that fits with the pain, difficulty eating etc.

Ok. Thanks. I’ve put some ulcer gel on and given him some ibuprofen. He’s a total drama queen, so fingers crossed he wakes up feeling better!

I coukd be from trauma though if you've brushed too hard. How old is he?

It could*

Looks like an ulcer in the lower left area which ties in with his pain. Maybe to do with toothbrush trauma.
There are ‘lines’ across his lower incisors in your photo. The photo is blurred, it could be calculus, hypoplasia, fluorosis-an intra-oral is necessary to diagnose. In any case, that wouldn’t cause the symptoms you’ve described; that’s almost certainly ulcer-related.

*intra-oral exam

That’s all very helpful. Thank you. He’s 8. Fingers crossed the ulcer gel works.

Looks like an ulcer but if it doesn't clear up in 2 weeks then you need to take him to a dentist. Also he has calculus on the bottom of his teeth and I know you said he doesn't like to brush his teeth but if he doesn't get rid of that calculus his gums are going to hurt way more than they already do.
Have you tried an electric toothbrush that is connected to an app? It's a game so certainly helps them!

He feels much better this morning.

I will get him to a dentist for his check-up as soon as we can get an appointment. Our dentist only seems to be catching up with bigger needs first, rather than check-ups.

I have looked at electric toothbrushes so will definitely get one now.