FOREIGN-BODY GINGIVITIS - CLINICAL AND MICROSCOPIC FEATURES OF 61 CASES

Gingival inflammation associated with foreign bodies in connective tis sue is termed foreign body gingivitis. It is not recognized commonly b y clinicians and has not been described fully in the literature. This study examined the clinical and microscopic features of 61 cases of fo reign body gingivitis. II was more common in women and occurred at a m ean age of 48 years. It presented most frequently as a red or red and white painful chronic lesion that had been present for less than 1 yea r. Often it was diagnosed clinically as lichen planus. There was no gi ngival site predilection. Microscopically, foreign bodies, usually les s than 5 mu m in diameter, were found in an area of moderate to severe inflammation composed of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells. The inflammation frequently was granulomatous and sometimes lichenoid.