Pediatric localized reactive gingival lesions: a retrospective study from Israel.

PURPOSE: Chronic irritation of the gingiva causes localized reactive hyperplastic lesions (LRHLs), which are classified into: peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF); peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG); pyogenic granuloma (PG); and focal fibrous hyperplasia (FFH). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of localized reactive hyperplastic lesions in Israeli children and adolescents.

METHODS

All consecutive archival LRHL biopsies of the gingiva between 1989 and 2008 were included. Lesions were analyzed according to location and patients' age and gender. Our findings were compared to pediatric and all-age data in publications from other countries.

RESULTS

Of 233 gingival LRHL specimens, POFs were most common (33%), followed by PGs (25%), FFHs (23%) and PGCGs (20%). PGs and FFHs were more common in females, and PGCG were more common in males. POFs showed no gender predilection. PGCGs and FFHs were distributed almost equally between the maxilla and mandible, while POFs and PGs were more common in the maxilla. Comparing data to other countries was problematic because there were so few dedicated to the pediatric population and because of inconsistencies in data presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric dentists should be aware of gingival LRHLs, because they are not uncommon among children.