White area on gums

[E Weaver]

my son is 4 and his dentist recently noticed a flat, white area above his front tooth. They didn’t see anything in an X-ray and seemed very concerned but then told me to just watch it. Now I’m nervous. Any idea what it is? There is no pain and I have no idea how long it’s been there.

 

[Craig D]

The photo isn't perfectly clear but most likely this is the adult tooth beginning to become noticeable under the soft tissues. The xray would help.

 

[MattKW]

No definite idea. It's not his adult tooth forming under the gum. It looks like some of the outer layer of skin may have been lightly damaged and is sloughing off. I'd wait a couple of weeks. Also watch to see if he has any habits like rubbing the area with his fingernail, pencil,...