Oral self-injurious behaviors in patients with developmental disabilities

Lip and tongue biting in patients with a brain injury: a practical guide

Patients who have sustained a profound brain injury often bite their lips and tongue, damaging their oral tissues. Lip and tongue biting usually occurs in patients with atypical oral reflexes and can lead to severe trauma to soft tissues, resulting in pain, lacerations, swelling, bleeding, ulceration and difficulties providing oral care. Due to the prevalence of lip and tongue biting, healthcare professionals involved in their care must be aware of the presentation, prevention and management, and when and how to refer to dental services.

Gingival Recession in Primary Maxillary Incisors due to Fingernail Scratching: A Rare Case Report

Introduction: Self-inflicted gingival injuries typically occur in patients with psychological disorders and rarely in normal individuals. This article is aimed at reporting an unusual case of gingival recession caused by a fingernail-scratching habit. Case Report: A 5-year-old female patient presented to the Pediatric Dentistry Department at the Ibn Sina Center for Consultation and Dental Treatment in Rabat, Morocco, with complaints of gingival recession localized in her four maxillary primary incisors. After a detailed medical and personal history and clinical examination, the diagnosis of self-inflicted gingival injury was established. The treatment plan included oral hygiene instructions, the application of analgesic and antiseptic gel, and behavioral management. Regular follow-ups over a period of 16 months were crucial for monitoring the patient's progress, which eventually led to the cessation of the habit with no recurrence. Discussion: Self-inflicted oral injuries in pediatric patients pose diagnostic challenges. The development of such habits in psychologically normal children is difficult to explain, suggesting the need for a comprehensive approach. Managing self-inflicted injuries is complex and requires a personalized strategy that may include psychotherapy, family support, and regular monitoring. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive history and adopting a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and manage self-inflicted gingival injury, achieving positive outcomes.

Children's oral health and the role of the pediatrician

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Oral health is an integral part of the overall health of children. Pediatricians must be competent in issues of oral health and disease if they are to fulfill their role as professionals dedicated to the health of children. This review will update pediatricians on the epidemiology of child oral disease, highlight the importance of good oral health in special populations of children, and examine the role pediatricians can play in maintaining children's oral health.

RECENT FINDINGS

Dental caries continues to be a common chronic disease of childhood and has increased in the youngest age groups. Oral disease has implications beyond the mouth and can cause significant problems for children with other chronic diseases. Pediatricians receive very little education on oral health during their medical training and numerous barriers exist to incorporating oral health into practice. Despite these facts, opportunities exist to both increase knowledge and overcome the barriers to incorporating oral health into daily practice. Collaboration with other child health professionals to improve children's oral health will make the job of the pediatrician easier.

SUMMARY

Pediatricians have an opportunity to increase their knowledge of children's oral health, incorporate it into their daily clinical routine, and improve the overall health of children.