Foreign body gingivitis: clinical and microscopic features of 61 cases

Gingival inflammation associated with foreign bodies in connective tissue is termed foreign body gingivitis. It is not recognized commonly by clinicians and has not been described fully in the literature. This study examined the clinical and microscopic features of 61 cases of foreign body gingivitis. It was more common in women and occurred at a mean 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 year. Often it was diagnosed clinically as lichen planus. There was no gingival site predilection. Microscopically, foreign bodies, usually less than 5 microns 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.