I have a 4 year old son who had several teeth removed and some crowned at
the age of 2 years old due to hypocalcaemia (secondary to
hyperparathyroidism). Everything has been fine up to about six months ago
when his dentist (specialist in pediatric dentistry) noticed inflamed areas
around his front crowns. It appears to be gingivitis. We have been brushing
his teeth with a medium to soft brush, but I'm afraid we're making no
progress. The gums are very red, now in fact I see his gums growing OVER the
TOP of the crowns! The more brushing we do, the more they bleed, the more
they seem irritated. Now on top of this, my son eats very little to nothing
by mouth - due to other unrelated problems, he eats strictly by g-tube
feedings. This just doesn't make sense. We're catching it from the dentist
who insists we're not brushing his teeth, but in fact we are. What other
reasons would there be for gums to grow over the top of crowns? These are
not crowns in the normal sense.. they are like plastic covers that are glued
on top of stainless steel crowns. The front canine teeth (the only front
teeth remaining) have a white plastic coating over the steel to make them
look like enamel. It is here where the gums are growing over. Could this be
causing the problem? We're going to try a different brush and maybe
Listerine... but I swear, I don't think this is from bad hygiene. If that
fails I'll take him to a new dentist. Any other ideas? I really don't like
this because he does have a heart valve problem.