[Hyperplastic gingival changes--a serial study]

The occurrence of hyperplastic alterations of the gingiva were surveyed in the context of employment physicals for 3000 young "healthy" men. Hyperplastic alterations of the gingiva were found in 21% of the subjects; a so-called dirt gingivitis with hyperplasia of the interdental papillae was present in 12%. The etiology could not be determined with 8%; smoking habits may be influential here.