Riga-Fede disease is defined as a chronic traumatic sublingual ulceration observed in infants, which is primarily caused by continuous mechanical friction from early erupting teeth known as dentitia praecox. These natal or neonatal lower incisors irritate the ventral surface of the tongue during feeding, and in rare instances, the lesion can also serve as the initial clinical presentation of an underlying neurological disorder.
📌 Recommended Article :
PDF 🔽 Natal teeth and Riga Fede ulcer: Diagnosis and treatment ... Natal and neonatal teeth are of unknown etiology, and are characterized by not presenting a single shape, they can be small or large and conical or normal in shape.The lesion typically initiates as a small ulcerated area on the ventral surface of the tongue, but with persistent mechanical trauma, it can gradually progress into an enlarged, fibrous, tumor-like mass. The intense associated pain frequently disrupts normal feeding routines and causes dehydration, which places affected infants at a heightened risk for severe nutritional deficiencies and secondary infections.
Advertisement
Throughout medical and dental literature, this specific condition has been described under various alternative names, including Riga's disease, sublingual ulcer or granuloma, traumatic sublingual ulceration, and eosinophilic granuloma. Strict diagnostic criteria state that the lesion is classified as Riga-Fede disease only in children under two years of age, whereas it is termed oral traumatic granuloma in older patients.
📌 Recommended Article :
Dental Article 🔽 Natal vs Neonatal Teeth: Clinical Differences and Management in Pediatric Dentistry ... Natal teeth are teeth present at birth, while neonatal teeth erupt within the first 30 days of life. Their occurrence is rare, with an estimated prevalence between 1 in 2,000 and 1 in 3,500 live births.Although the precise chronology and etiology of precocious tooth eruption remain uncertain—with proposed contributing factors ranging from superficial tooth germ placement to hereditary transmission—early recognition by pediatric dentists is crucial. This case report aims to highlight the clinical manifestation of Riga-Fede disease associated with dentitia praecox and detail the specific treatment approaches in two reported cases.
📌 Read & Download Full Article
° Mehta A, Chaudhary S, Chaitra TR and Sinha A. Riga-Fede Disease (Dentitia Praecox): Report of Two Cases with Literature Review. Austin J Dent. 2017; 4(3): 1073.
📌 More Recommended Items
► How to Manage Riga-Fede Ulcer? - Treatment
► Deformity of the tongue in an infant: Riga-Fede disease
► Can Babies Be Born With Teeth? Causes Explained