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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Leads To Tongue Chewing Habit In An Elderly Person?

my 88 year old mother has developed a habit of chewing her tongue. None of her doctors can explain why and she chews gum during the day to not chew her tongue. When she removes her dentures at night and closes her mouth she continues to chew her tongue. Thinking of some sort of adult pacifier would help. Any suggestions
Mon, 10 Aug 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi dear,

The symptoms you mentuion in query are pointing towards a condition known as Meige's syndrome . Meige syndrome is a rare neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary and often forceful contractions of the muscles of the jaw and tongue and involuntary muscle spasms . I would suggest you to consult neurosurgeon for proper examination and treatment . Doctor may give injections of botulinum toxins and may prescribe drugs such as the anticholinergics and benzodiazepines . Deep brain stimulation is also one of the effective treatment option. It could be because of unconscious psychogenic habit which is caused by variety of emotions and this condition is called Morsicato mucosae means chronic biting of tongue. Need not to worry about it. It is habitual and is not concerned with any pathology. Appliance is required to get rid of this. Appliance fabricated from soft polyvinyl sheet is a prostheses, which can be designed to instruct patient to get rid of this habit. Drink plenty of water. Maintain proper oral hygiene. Take multivitamins and diet rich in supplements.

Hope your concern has been resolved.
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Leads To Tongue Chewing Habit In An Elderly Person?

Hi dear, The symptoms you mentuion in query are pointing towards a condition known as Meige s syndrome . Meige syndrome is a rare neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary and often forceful contractions of the muscles of the jaw and tongue and involuntary muscle spasms . I would suggest you to consult neurosurgeon for proper examination and treatment . Doctor may give injections of botulinum toxins and may prescribe drugs such as the anticholinergics and benzodiazepines . Deep brain stimulation is also one of the effective treatment option. It could be because of unconscious psychogenic habit which is caused by variety of emotions and this condition is called Morsicato mucosae means chronic biting of tongue. Need not to worry about it. It is habitual and is not concerned with any pathology. Appliance is required to get rid of this. Appliance fabricated from soft polyvinyl sheet is a prostheses, which can be designed to instruct patient to get rid of this habit. Drink plenty of water. Maintain proper oral hygiene. Take multivitamins and diet rich in supplements. Hope your concern has been resolved. Dr. Harry Maheshwari