Riga-Fede disease: report of a case and review

Abstract

Self-mutilation of tongue is a type of self-injurious behavior. Ulcers of the lingual frenum in neonates with natal lower incisors are referred to as Riga-Fede disease. In this paper a case of Riga-Fede disease in a ten-month infant male with lower central incisors is reported. The ulcer resolved after the sharp incisal edges were smoothened and topical triameinolone was applied. As this lesion may be confused or associated with other serious disorders, a review of medical and dental literature was included.