Oral Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in an Infant.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of bone marrow-derived histiocytes (Langerhans cells). LCH may manifest orally with single or multiple lesions of the alveolar or basal bone. Ulcerated mucosal lesions may be accompanied by periodontal lesions that present with gingival inflammation, bleeding, recession, necrosis, toothache, dental hypermobility, tooth development abnormalities, and premature tooth loss. This paper presents the case of a five-month-old boy with very early oral manifestations of LCH and describes the combined systemic and dental treatment during a 36-month follow-up. A combined local and systemic approach may be necessary to control oral disease manifestations.