Abstract
A rare case of highly advanced alveolar bone loss caused by a foreign body in a 3-year-old girl is reported.
The patient came to the Pedodontic Clinic of Health Sciences University of Hokkaido with swelling at the cervical area of the mandibular primary central incisor.
She had a strong dental phobia, and a habit of biting things made of nylon, along with finger sucking and onychophagia. The diseased gingival showed redness, swelling, highly developed alveolar bone loss and tooth mobility (+ +).
When a scaling was done as standard periodontal treatment, a transparent tube appeared out up the periodontal pocket. It was conjectured that the foreign body was a straw with a soft drink based on its form.
The prognosis after removing of foreign body was good in this case. In order to prevent the occurrence such as this case, the following is suggested:
1. During the oral examination, the dentist should pay attention to the possible existence of a foreign body in the oral cavity.
2. Behavior in which the child might put something into its oral cavity, can possibly cause dental injury.
3. It is necessary to inform the community that safety education is a very important factor.
