Neonatal tooth with Riga-Fide disease affecting breastfeeding: a case report

Nurjasmine Aida Jamani,Yunita Dewi Ardini,Nor Asilah Harun

doi:10.1186/s13006-018-0176-7

Nurjasmine Aida Jamani, Yunita Dewi Ardini + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-018-0176-7

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Abstract

BackgroundNeonatal teeth erupt during the neonatal period and natal teeth are the presence of teeth since birth. While rare, natal teeth and neonatal teeth can have a significant impact on breastfeeding. Neonatal teeth are less common, and although its exact etiology is still unknown, it can cause difficulties in breastfeeding to the mother and may eventually lead to discontinuation of breastfeeding. Other associated possible complications include tooth aspiration and sublingual ulceration. This paper was aimed to discuss the clinical features, complications, and management of neonatal tooth, in addition to its impact on breastfeeding and role in sublingual ulcer formation.Case presentationWe present a baby girl who had a neonatal tooth with sublingual ulceration (Riga-Fede disease), which resulted in a difficulty to breastfeed for the baby and nipple pain to the mother. Following the extraction of the baby’s tooth, she immediately continued breastfeeding, and her tongue ulcer healed well.ConclusionExtraction of the neonatal tooth promoted rapid healing of oral ulcers and the reestablishment of breastfeeding.

Highlights

Neonatal teeth erupt during the neonatal period and natal teeth are the presence of teeth since birth
While neonatal teeth are rare, their occurrence can result in sublingual ulceration (Riga-Fede disease) and interfere with breastfeeding
This measure allows immediate continuation of breastfeeding, prevents growth and nutritional deficiency, as well as enables effective healing of oral and tongue ulcers

Summary

Introduction

Neonatal teeth erupt during the neonatal period and natal teeth are the presence of teeth since birth. This paper was aimed to discuss the clinical features, complications, and management of neonatal tooth, in addition to its impact on breastfeeding and role in sublingual ulcer formation. Case presentation: We present a baby girl who had a neonatal tooth with sublingual ulceration (Riga-Fede disease), which resulted in a difficulty to breastfeed for the baby and nipple pain to the mother. Natal teeth are defined as the presence of teeth at birth, which usually erupt during intrauterine life. Its incidence has been reported to be around 1:800 to 1:6000 births [2, 3] The etiology of this condition is still inconclusive [1]. Neonatal teeth erupt prior to this period (especially during intrauterine life or within the first 4 weeks of life), which can pose a problem to both mother and baby especially in terms of breastfeeding. Neonatal teeth can give rise to suckling problems, choking risks, and soft tissue injuries in the baby, as well as nipple pain in the mother [3, 4]

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