[Traumatic ulceration of the tongue in an infant].

A 6-month-old baby was referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon due to an ulcer that had not healed. The diagnosis was Riga-Fede. The disease is also known as traumatic oral granuloma and is characterized by traumatic ulcerations on the tongue or lower lip. The lesions are caused by repeated trauma of the mucous membrane by emerging teeth in infants, especially the lower incisors. Early recognition of the disease is important because it has been associated with neurological abnormalities. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis or inadequate therapy can result in permanent deformity of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and the lower lip, nutritional insufficiencies, and can, in the longer-term, inhibit growth.