Hi there, my 3yr old son had a fall a couple of weeks ago. 10 days later I noticed his 2 front teeth had starter to discolour, now several days on his 2 front teeth are very grey, one almost looks a purple grey colour and the other is slightly loose. We visited our dentist yesterday to have them checked out and were told the grey coulour is due to bleeding blood vessels and the teeth will never return white again. I was also told the loose tooth should tighten up again but to keep checking his gums for anything strange looking, lumps, pimples etc as this would indicate an infection. If infection sets in it could deform his next set of teeth. I am now seriously concerned about this. What I want to know is: Is there any chance his teeth could return beautifully white again and how common is it for infection to begin and if infection was to start would this be likely to happen soon after my sons fall or can infection begin any time after teeth have turned grey to the point when he would get 2nd set?:confused: Hope someone can help please.

The dentist was right. The discoloration of the tooth is like a bruise or when you jam your finger in a door, it's technically internal bleeding. However, unlike skin, where the blood is constantly flowing, or your fingernails, as they grow, the tooth just sits there.

I do, however, think that the tooth will slightly change in time. I wouldn't expect dramatic results, but the discoloration should fade a little.

If the tooth is a little loose, infection isn't too common. Make sure he brushes his teeth well, and perhaps rinse his mouth with mouthwash or warm salt water to disinfect the area. (mouthwash may hurt or irritate, stick with salt water).

The infection can set in any time the gums are open, but as I said, as long as he keeps his dental hygiene up, he should be OK.

My little brother had the same thing happen when he was three. The teeth eventually fell out and he now is 16 with perfect teeth.my son is 8. he lost his first 4 teeth when he was 4. we thought it was early, but he now has a set of perfect teeth. Its likely your sons teeth will come out. But he'll get knew ones. Don't worry

DOH!

I completely overlooked the fact that the child is 3.

... the new set of teeth will be fine. Don't worry about the discoloration.

What your dentist has told you is correct. You want to watch for the pimple on his gum or if he starts to favour those teeth (avoiding biting into carrots and apples or hot or cold). The teeth could remain as they are until they are due to fall out usually around age 6. His adult teeth won't be grey so you don't have to worry about that.
Keep them clean and don't fret.

I agree with everyone here. I know a little boy and the same thing happened to him. He doesn't have his baby teeth anymore and his teeth are white. =)