IDIOPATHIC GINGIVAL FIBROMATOSIS AT BIRTH

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare condition characterized by varying degrees of gingival hyperplasia. Gingival fibromatosis usually occurs as an isolated disorder or can be associated with a variety of other syndromes. It usually appears at the time of eruption of permanent dentition but, can develop at the time of eruption of the primary dentition and rarely at birth. It may deform palatal contour and subsequently restrict the tongue movement, resulting in interference during speech and mastication. In addition, it incapacitates maintenance of normal lip closure. A 14-month-old girl visited the department of pediatric dentistry, Yonsei University Dental Hospital, for the congenital gingival overgrowth. There was no one in the family, who showed similar pattern of gingival growth. The intraoral clinical examination revealed generalized severe gingival enlargement throughout the maxillary and the mandibular arches. Enlarged gingival tissue was pink and had firm consistency. She was referred for chromosomal analysis, which confirmed absence of any known syndrome. Under local anesthesia, “Punch-biopsy” was performed on the labial area, and the specimen was histologically diagnosed as gingival fibromatosis. For she did not have any medical problem nor familiar history, she was diagnosed as having idiopathic gingival fibromatosis. Regarding her age and behavior, close follow-up was decided.ope