Case report: A unique presentation of severe tongue biting in 10 month-old twins with a novel approach to management.
BACKGROUND
Tongue biting in infants has a variety of aetiological factors and is a distressing problem.


METHODS
10 month-old twin boys presented with severe ulceration of the tongue caused by self-mutilation and a maternal family history of this condition.


METHODS
Thermoplastic splints were used to protect the tongue and facilitate healing, with denture fixative added to aid retention in the mouth.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
A conservative and well-tolerated approach to treatment for such problems is presented.
Maxillofacial and Dental Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, England WC1N 3JH.
A
A
Suchak
M
M
Mars
D001734:Bites, Human; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014059:Tongue / Q000293:injuries*