What to Do If My Child Has a Purple Tooth?
Discovering that your child’s tooth has turned purple can be alarming, but don’t panic just yet. While a discolored tooth is cause for concern, it’s not always a sign of a serious problem. Understanding the possible causes and knowing the next steps can help you address the issue effectively.
What Causes a Purple Tooth?
A purple or darkened tooth in children usually indicates one of the following:
- Dental Trauma: If your child recently bumped their mouth, the tooth may have sustained internal bleeding. Just like a bruise on the skin, blood can accumulate inside the tooth, giving it a purple or grayish hue.
- Pulp Damage or Necrosis: If the tooth has suffered a significant injury, the blood supply may be compromised, causing the pulp inside the tooth to die. This may lead to further discoloration over time.
- Tooth Eruption Issues: Sometimes, as a baby tooth is on its way out, discoloration may occur. This is less common but not necessarily a cause for alarm.
- Cavities or Decay: A decayed tooth can appear dark or purple, particularly if cavities have advanced deep into the structure of the tooth.
- Medications or Medical Conditions: In some cases, certain medications or underlying medical conditions affecting blood circulation can cause tooth discoloration.
What Should You Do?
- Monitor the Tooth: If your child experienced recent trauma and there’s no pain or swelling, watch the tooth for a few weeks. Sometimes, the color may lighten as the tooth heals.
- Check for Symptoms: If your child complains of pain, swelling, or sensitivity, it may indicate an infection or nerve damage. In this case, a dentist visit is necessary.
- Visit a Pediatric Dentist: Whether or not symptoms appear, it’s always a good idea to have a pediatric dentist in Woodland Hills assess the tooth. The Northridge pediatric dentist can determine if the tooth is still viable or if further intervention is needed.
- Avoid Home Remedies: While it’s tempting to try whitening toothpaste or natural remedies, these won’t address the underlying cause of the discoloration. Let a professional evaluate the situation.
- Discuss Treatment Options: Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend:
- No treatment if the tooth is healing naturally.
- A root canal if the tooth is dead but needs to be preserved.
- Extraction if the tooth is severely damaged or infected, especially for baby teeth that are close to falling out.
Preventing Future Tooth Discoloration
To help prevent trauma-related tooth discoloration, encourage your child to:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports.
- Practice good oral hygiene to prevent decay.
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice or non-food items.
Final Thoughts
A purple tooth in your child isn’t necessarily a dental emergency, but it does warrant attention. Monitoring for symptoms and consulting a dentist can help ensure the best outcome. Early detection and proper care will keep your child’s smile healthy and bright!
