FOREIGN-BODY GINGIVITIS - IDENTIFICATION OF THE FOREIGN MATERIAL BY ENERGY-DISPERSIVE X-RAY-MICROANALYSIS

Foreign bodies identified in 61 cases of foreign body gingivitis were analyzed by energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis. This was compared w ith the energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis of 62 dental materials. Comparative analysis indicated most foreign bodies were of dental mate rial origin, usually abrasives. It is suggested that they are factitia lly and iatrogenically introduced during a variety of self-administere d and professionally performed dental hygiene and restorative procedur es. Individual elements, and elements by class, were correlated with p reviously described clinical and microscopic features of the cases. Th ere was no association between any microscopic or clinical attribute o f FBC and the presence of allergenic or cytotoxic elements. It is post ulated that the physical presence of foreign bodies may be sufficient for the development of foreign body gingivitis. Dentists should be awa re of the potential for chronic tissue damage that can result from the unguarded use of abrasive materials next to the gingiva.