16 m.o. with bleeding gums, white line, white spot!

[sparklett]

I recently noticed that my 16 m.o. DS gums bleed when I brush them. He also has a white line along the gum line on his front left incisor and a small white spot on the same incisor. He is breastfed, and is a very picky eater. He was also a 33 week preemie. He has four teeth on top and two on the bottom, and seems to be working on adding a third to the bottom.

Is it time to go to the dentist? Does the bleeding issue mean malnutrition? What is the white line all about? I brush his teeth daily (trying to do twice daily) with a soft tooth brush and a xylitol-based toothpaste (Earth's Best Organic toddler toothpaste).

I'm getting worried. DH and I have perfect teeth- no cavities, ever, so this is all very new to me. I'm feeling like this is my fault.

Thanks.

[lindberg99]

My son was a 30 weeker and the dentist wanted to see him at 12 months. She said preemies can have enamel problems. My DS didn't, actually he's got the best teeth out of my 3 kids! The other two were full term.

I think you should take your son to a pediatric dentist since he's a preemie and you sound concerned about his gums and the white line.

[EKilgore]

white lines are typically the first signs of decay where the enamel is melting away. we are dealing with this with our 19 mos old, and she did rapidly get 1 spot of decay that was filled 2 days ago- not fun!!! i understand your feelings of guilt, but sometimes it's a big mystery as to the cause. we have been doing flouride to remineralize the teeth and that seems to help. definitely get to the dentist though. best of luck.