Dramatic oral findings belonging to a pica patient: A case report

Abstract

Pica is a compulsive eating of non-nutritive substances and can have serious medical implications. The causes are not known, but the symptom is often associated iron-deficiency. Pica is an under-diagnosed problem. Although few dental problems associated with pica have been reported, because of its potential impact on blood measures, dental professionals must be aware of this common, but commonly missed, condition. This is an unusual case of a patient diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) who had a dirt eating habit (geophagia) and was diagnosed as having pica.