Patient's question:
8-month-old baby's gums at the position of the molar tooth (about the size of a molar) turned white and then began to turn yellow, resembling skin ulcers. A piece of purulent, rotten skin fell off. What is the cause (currently has 4 teeth, 4 upper and 2 lower)? Recently, the baby has been crying at night, drooling excessively, and is reluctant to drink milk with a bottle.Doctor's answer:
Actually, it is the remnants of cells that form the enamel on the tooth surface during tooth development that are not absorbed by the baby, which leads to the appearance of "milk teeth" (also known as "teething bumps"). However, this is not a tooth and will not affect the normal eruption of baby teeth. Therefore, treatment is not necessary, and these bumps will naturally fall off after a few weeks.Do not forcefully rub with a cloth or pick at the "milk teeth" with a needle to avoid inflammation or bacterial stomatitis. If the "milk teeth" affect the baby's feeding or cause inflammation, you can gently clean the gums with clean water.
Additionally, since babies often bite their fingers, providing them with a teething ring or a chewable toy can help with tooth eruption and the natural shedding of these bumps.