Oral Myiasis: A Rare Case comprising more than 100 Maggots

Authors

  • Dayang Fadzlina Abang Ibrahim Paediatric Dental Department, Miri Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia
  • Eas Haryati Sabri Paediatric Dental Specialist Clinic, Sarawak General Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia
  • Woei Tatt Lim Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Sarawak General Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/cos.v13i2.10205

Keywords:

myiasis, cerebral palsy, maggots, palatal

Abstract

The uncommon disease known as myiasis is brought on by the maggots of flies, primarily those belonging to the Diptera order, invading surrounding tissues. Oral myiasis is linked to poor oral hygiene, severe halitosis, mouth breathing while sleeping, mental disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, anterior open bite, incompetent lips, and other conditions. A thirteen-year-old child with cerebral palsy presents a case of oral myiasis. A visual inspection of the wiggling maggots and the distinctive clinical signs led to the diagnosis. Within the palatal and gingival sulcus of the posterior mandible, a large number of maggots were discovered. The treatment included local debridement of the palatal and gingival tissue, dental hygiene practices, and the manual removal of each maggot and application of turpentine oil. Extensive oral hygiene instruction and reinforcement to parents were provided. The patient had been on follow-up for one month. The disease was resolved exceptionally well with this conservative care.

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Published

2026-09-30

How to Cite

Abang Ibrahim, D. F., Sabri, E. H., & Lim, W. T. (2026). Oral Myiasis: A Rare Case comprising more than 100 Maggots. Compendium of Oral Science, 13(2), 182-191. https://doi.org/10.24191/cos.v13i2.10205