Tongue-tied: a case of magnetic balls constricting the lingual frenum

The health risks associated with aspiration and ingestion of foreign bodies in children are well known. The increased availability of magnetic toys have added to these risks. A 7-year-old girl presented at the Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery at the University of Pretoria Oral and Dental Hospital with a complaint of pain under the tongue. Examination revealed that magnetic balls had been lodged on either side of the lingual frenum. The patient experienced pain and was unable to dislodge the magnets. This case report documents patient presentation and management and concludes with a brief discussion of potential complications associated with the oral intake of magnets. Though multiple cases documenting the complications associated with ingestion of magnets have been reported, reports of primary oral complications are scant. This case contributes to existing evidence for the dangers associated with high strength magnets used as toys by children. Keywords: foreign body, frenum, magnets, neodymium magnets, tongue