Intraoral Foreign Bodies Suspected as Enamel Malformation in Primary Dentition: Report of two cases

Abstract

This report describes two cases of foreign bodies in incomplete primary dentitions.
Children were referred, by dentists, for consultation concerning the abnormal shapes of their teeth. The first case was an 1 year 7 months old girl. The mandibular primary central incisors were slightly mobile while gingival inflammation and recessions were observed. The second case was an 1 year 9months old boy. Clinical examinations revealed that the left deciduous maxillary incisor was slightly mobile and some gingival inflammation was evident.
Both cases were diagnosed as having impacting foreign bodies around the teeth, because there was mobility on palpation of the substances and not evidences of radiopaque materials. The prognoses after removing the foreign bodies were good. The objects were small plastic tubes, and identified as some pieces of polyethylene tubes in pillows which their parents used.
When dentists find changes of periodontal tissues caused by unknown factors, they should pay attention to the possible existence of an intraoral foreign body. It is also necessary to inform parents and the community about dental accidents which may occur when children swallow a foreign body. Manufacturers should more seriously consider the prevention of accidents and design products accordingly.