Gingival Manifestations in Childhood Scurvy: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: In paediatric population of modern developed countries, vitamin C deficiency has become very rare, especially in individuals with no underlying medical conditions. Case Report: This paper aims to report a case of scurvy in a healthy 6-year-old girl who was referred to the Department of Paediatric Dentistry for managing her hypertrophic, spongy, and erythematous gingiva for one week duration. She initially presented with a complaint of pain in her lower limbs and inability to walk. A series of investigations and radiographic examinations were carried out. Malignancy was highly suspicious hence biopsy of the gingiva was performed to confirm the diagnosis. The histopathological examination (HPE), however, interpreted the lesion as gingivitis. The gingival hypertrophy became more progressively worsening clinically. A clinical diagnosis of scurvy was then made after a literature review of her clinical presentations and investigation findings. Empirical vitamin C supplementation was started, and the patient’s condition remarkably improved within 4 days. Conclusion: The clinical manifestation of scurvy can be variable and non-specific. Early recognition is paramount to avoid unnecessary investigations and to initiate vitamin C supplementation.