pica and Gingival-Diseases

Topics: Adult; Central Nervous System Diseases; Chicago; Child; Child, Preschool; Edetic Acid; Environmental Exposure; Female; Fetal Diseases; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gingival Diseases; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Lead; Lead Poisoning; Male; Neuromuscular Diseases; New York City; Ohio; Penicillamine; Pentetic Acid; Pica; Porphyrins; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications

A diagnosis of chronic lead poisoning in a mentally retarded adult with pica was initially proposed because of the presence of a "lead line" on the patient's gingiva. The patient had no other signs or symptoms suggestive of her toxic state. Lead poisoning is reviewed from the standpoint of epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical and oral manifestations, and diagnostic procedures. Dentists working with children or mentally retarded patients should be aware of the increased incidence of lead poisoning in these patient populations and the importance of oral findings and lead-screening techniques in the detection of lead poisoning.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Female; Gingival Diseases; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Lead Poisoning; Middle Aged; Pica; Pigmentation Disorders