My son has very red swollen gums?!
Question: He has been sick with strep and saw the doctor. I pointed out his gums to the doctor who said it was not gum disease and to take him to the dentist. It is the weekend and cant take him until monday. He is in a lot of pain and can't eat. Any advice on how to relieve the pain besides ibprofin.
Answers: He has been sick with strep and saw the doctor. I pointed out his gums to the doctor who said it was not gum disease and to take him to the dentist. It is the weekend and cant take him until monday. He is in a lot of pain and can't eat. Any advice on how to relieve the pain besides ibprofin.
You don't say how old your son is. Gum infection with extension to the pharynx is characteristic of Vincent's infection (also known as ANUG, once known as "trenchmouth") It is generally a non-specific infection, but for sure strep are usually in there.
If the throat doesn't have the characteristic "strawberry" appearance of strep throat it likely did start in the gums and extend to the pharynx. Low grade fever is possible.
Usually with Vincent's infection there is a bad odor, which also helps in diagnosing this. Repeated bouts lead to loss of the papilla (the wedge-shaped piece of gum between the teeth). Antibiotics are appropriate, followed by meticulous scaling and better oral hygiene to prevent recurrence.
My speculations should be backed up with a visit to your son's dentist.
Steve Bornfeld, DDS
He has some form of periodontal disease. Your doctor's assertion that he doesn't have gum disease is incorrect. He may not have chronic gum disease, but his gums are inflammed (red, painful and swollen), so his gums are diseased NOW. It makes me wonder if he actually has "strep throat," as opposed to, say, herpetic stomatitis or some other condition. In any event, it could be symptomatic of something more serious. Take him to the emergency department for further evaluation and pain management.