Kolkata Doctors Enable Girl to Close Mouth After 2.5 Years Due to Rare Disorder

Doctors at Kolkata's R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital have successfully treated a 10-year-old girl who had been unable to close her mouth for approximately two and a half years due to a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. The girl was diagnosed with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a condition where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, damaging nerves that control jaw and facial muscles. This prolonged inability to close her mouth led to severe complications, including dry mouth, jaw imbalance, and abnormal tooth growth (supra-eruption). After receiving unsuccessful treatment at various other hospitals, a specialized medical board at R Ahmed Dental College devised a treatment plan. This involved extracting posterior teeth to enable the jaw to close and prevent further issues. Following the recent procedure, the girl can now close her mouth, significantly reducing the risk of future dental damage and oral infections. Treatment for her underlying ADEM condition is also ongoing.