Major salivary gland agenesis in a young child: consequences for oral health.

Summary.  Background.  Salivary gland agenesis is a rare condition. It can be associated with some equally rare syndromes so that diagnosis can be delayed. Case Report.  The authors describe a case report. A 3-year-old girl, presented with dry mouth, carious teeth, recurrent herpes labialis and tonsillitis to Newcastle Dental Hospital. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by ‘salivary gland agenesis’. Conclusion.  Primary and secondary paedicitric healthcare professionals should be aware of the possibility of salivary gland agenesis in the setting of the ‘non drooling baby’. Early detection of ‘salivary gland agenesis’ would do much to prevent the deleterious oral affects which follow the absence of salivary protection in the oral cavity.