Hello Doctor,
My child is 27 months old and already has all 20 baby teeth. However, over the past couple of days, they’ve been complaining of mouth pain and have started refusing to eat most foods. There’s no visible swelling or fever, but they’re clearly uncomfortable and irritable. Since teething shouldn’t be an issue now, I’m worried something else might be wrong. What could possibly be causing this, and should I be concerned?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. At 27 months, your child has all 20 baby teeth, so teething is unlikely the issue. However, mouth pain and food refusal can still be due to several things. It might be a temporary phase, but dental issues like cavities, gum irritation, or even early bite problems (occlusion issues) can cause discomfort, sometimes without obvious signs.
2. Other possibilities include mouth ulcers, viral infections, or mild gum infections. Even a small cavity can be painful enough to make a toddler avoid eating. The best way to find the exact cause is to schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist. They can do a full check-up and let you know if treatment is needed.
3. Meanwhile, offer soft, non-irritating foods and plenty of fluids. If your child’s pain worsens or they show signs like fever, swelling, or extreme fussiness, seek medical help right away.
Thanks
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