A Suchak1, M Mars. 1. Maxillofacial and Dental Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, England WC1N 3JH.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tongue biting in infants has a variety of aetiological factors and is a distressing problem. CASE REPORT: 10 month-old twin boys presented with severe ulceration of the tongue caused by self-mutilation and a maternal family history of this condition. TREATMENT: Thermoplastic splints were used to protect the tongue and facilitate healing, with denture fixative added to aid retention in the mouth. FOLLOW-UP: The twins have been recalled regularly and at their most recent review, two years after initial presentation, one twin did not need a splint at all, and the other suffered only from very occasional episodes of tongue biting. CONCLUSION: A conservative and well-tolerated approach to treatment for such problems is presented.
BACKGROUND: Tongue biting in infants has a variety of aetiological factors and is a distressing problem. CASE REPORT: 10 month-old twin boys presented with severe ulceration of the tongue caused by self-mutilation and a maternal family history of this condition. TREATMENT: Thermoplastic splints were used to protect the tongue and facilitate healing, with denture fixative added to aid retention in the mouth. FOLLOW-UP: The twins have been recalled regularly and at their most recent review, two years after initial presentation, one twin did not need a splint at all, and the other suffered only from very occasional episodes of tongue biting. CONCLUSION: A conservative and well-tolerated approach to treatment for such problems is presented.