Bougainvillea and Extra Teeth

Updated on May 31, 2008
K.M. asks from Kailua Kona, HI
7 answers

In an effort to save space I have two questions here. Both in regards to my 5 year old son. First, he was pricked with a bougainvillea thorn yesterday, didn't even bleed it was so minor. Today the area around it looks like a bug bite and is very tender when touched (not red or hot tho). Haven't really been able to find out much online, but I am wondering if this will resolve itself.

Second, he now has his lower tooth coming in behind his two bottom teeth, both of which are slightly loose. It is almost half-way grown in and the others miggle less and less the more it comes in. I have called a dentist but have not heard back in 2 days. Is his normal? Will the teeth come out on thier own or have to be pulled?
thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

As suggested I have kept an eye on the bougainvillea poke and it seems to be getting better on its own. I checked for a thorn and there was none. Thanks for the reassurance.

As for the tooth, still not sure what I should do. I wish it was as easy as asking a dentist but where I live there is only one pediatric dentist AND she doesn't take insurance. So I don't want to wait if it will cause a problem, but I can't reall afford unnecessary trips to the dentist. And still no call back. I'd still really appreciate any insight or experience anyone might have. Upon looking today the second tooth is almost as tall as the baby teeth it is behind.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

I thought the bouganvillia gave him extra teeth , lol. Teeth usually come in weird on kids...you have to give the tooth time to push the others out of the way.

As for as the cut , he may have debris left in the wound or an infection. He should see pediatrician before it gets serious. If it didnt bleed it sounds like there might be a tiny piece of the thorn under the skin . Put hot compresses on it until you see the MD to help his body expell it ( or any infection) and use some triple antibiotic ointment topically.

J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Ok, so i've read the other responses regarding the teeth. I work on children everyday at a pediatric dentist, and see this very often. In an ideal situation, the permanent teeth will grow up and as they do that, they absorb the root of the baby teeth causing them to come looser and looser. If the permanent teeth are not growing directly under the baby teeth , they cannot absorb the root and fully cause them to come loose. Many times we have to extract those baby teeth.(very simple). You say you don't want to have an unnecessary visit to the dentist, well, at 5 years old, he should already be going in for regular visits/cleaning and check-ups by now. You should schedule him for a check-up/cleaning for the first visit, and then they could look at the teeth and assess the problem. Many times we do it on the same day. If he's not wiggling those teeth everyday and in a sense forcing them out, they may not come in on their own. If you get them out now, the new teeth will have a chance to still move into the right space. Make a big deal about the tooth fairy visiting him when those teeth come out and see if that helps. But you should really get it taken care of, and start taking him to the dentist every 6 months. his oral health is just as important as his medical health. Children that have regular and pleasant experiences early on at the dentist will not be fearful adult patients.Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Las Vegas on

K.:

My brother is a horticulturist and he said bougainvillea is not poisonous but the stick can hurt for a few days. He said to make sure none of the tip is stuck in his finger and just put a little peroxide on it and it should be better in a day or so.

About the teeth, my son's baby teeth did not come out and we ended up having them pulled. It was very easy and not tramatic at all. I would consult a children's dentist as soon as possible.

Best wishes,
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi K.:
Sounds like your son is just having a minor reaction to getting stuck. I'd just apply some peroxide,and let him soak it while in the tub.Your sons baby teeth are loose and will fall out on their own soon. The tooth coming in from the back will assist in pushing those out.I wouldn't recomend putting him through the drama of pulling them out.I'd just let nature takes it course. The very best to you and your soon to be toothless son. : )

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi K.,
My son also has the same situation with his two bottom teeth growing in before his baby teeth have fallen out. I have taken him to the pediatric dentist and he told us that it is normal. It has been about a month since the visit and they still are barely loose. He told my son to wiggle them as much as he can stand. If they do not fall out on their own by our next appointment June 19th he will pull them out. He says it will not cause any harm to the permanent teeth.
I hope this helps!
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

For his pricked "wound".....just make sure you clean it. Even though it was a "minor" poke, you never know. Those thorns hurt, I got poked before too. Keep an eye on it... sometimes simple skin abrasions can get infected....and as you know, kids touch everything and anything. Put some antibacterial ointment or Betadine on it perhaps. Once, as a child, I had a real minor skin cut on my calf... and it turned into a staph infection....and it almost ate it's way down to my bone....and i had high fever, chills and became very sick. My doctor almost put me in the hospital. My Dad is the one who knew it originated from my cut... he carried me into the Doctor's office as I could not even stand I was so sick. The cut itself...just looked like a small cut...only like 1/4 inch...but it was not healing quickly. Thus, when I became sick with other symptoms...my Dad looked me over and saw the cut and suspected it. You never know. I really learned from that.

I'm sure your son will be fine though. But every since that happened to me... I am real careful with my kids especially.

As for his teeth, I don't know about that. So can't help you there.

Good luck and take care,
~Susan

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Normal on the tooth. Don't know about the plant.
M.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches