Self‐inflicted oral trauma: report of case

Self‐inflicted oral trauma is often encountered in patients who lack cerebral control over the masticatory cycle. Many factors must be considered in treatment, and a variety of appliances may be fabricated to prevent injury to oral structures. This case report documents the use of a soft acrylic appliance in treatment of a comatose patient who showed ruminatory reflex chewing. This case report demonstrated successful use of a soft acrylic mouthguard material as an intraoral appliance. The appliance was designed and fabricated in accordance with previously mentioned guidelines (Table). Fabrication, insertion, and maintenance was uncomplicated and noninvasive. Periodic examinations over a 6‐month period have demonstrated resolution of the oral lesion and a high level of tolerance of the appliance.