Neonatal sublingual traumatic ulceration - case report & review of the literature

Abstract

Traumatic ulceration of the ventral surface of the tongue is a rare condition observed in neonates with natal or neonatal teeth. These lesions are initiated and exacerbated by the continuous contact between the tongue and natal/neonatal teeth during physiologic activities such as suckling and swallowing, which in turn may interfere with proper feeding, putting the neonate at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Sublingual traumatic ulcers may also be the presenting sign of an underlying developmental or neurologic disorder. This case report details the management of a sublingual traumatic ulcer in a 20-day-old infant, along with a review of the treatment modalities available for management of this condition, especially in neonates.