Hyperplastic Gingivitis

Definition
Hyperplastic gingivitis is a chronic inflammatory process that produces gingival enlargement.

Etiology
Dental plaque. Local and systemic factors may involve susceptibility to the oral microbial flora, and the host response.

Mild gingivitis

Hyperplastic gingivitis.

Hyperplastic gingivitis.

Clinical features
Clinically, the interdental papillae and marginal gingiva appear diffuse, red, and swollen, and significantly increased in size due to connectivetissue fibromatosis and edema (Figs. ). Loss of normal stippling, gingival bleeding even after mild local stimulation, and formation of pseudopockets are common findings. Thediagnosis is made at the clinical level.

Differential diagnosis
Gingivitis of pregnancy, drug-induced gingival overgrowth, mouth-breathing gingivitis, leukemias.

Treatment
Oral hygiene improvement, elimination of causative factors, and, in severe hyperplasia, surgical reconstruction.