Aglossia: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Aglossia is a rare condition caused by failure of the tongue embryogenesisrocess (in the fourth to eighth weeks of gestation). The tongue is an organ used in different activities such as sucking, swallowing, chewing, and talking. It is also responsible for shapingalate dental arches (in its absence, they become atrophic). There are few similar cases reported in the literature. Objective To describe a rare case of aglossia and the multidisciplinaryrofessionals working together for 5 years to treat theatient. Resumed Report An 8-year-old girl with aglossia had an assessment comprising: (1) clinical assessment of the stomatognathic system related to restingosture, tonus, and mobility; (2) orthodontic assessment; (3) surface electromyography of the chewing muscles; (4) swallowing videofluoroscopy. Conclusion The authors confirmed the need of multidisciplinary cooperation to improve theatient's quality of life, because agenesia implicates many activities/functions that depend on the tongue to fully work. Multiprofessional cooperation helps theatient learn compensation mechanisms.