Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis in a Two-Month-Old Child : A Case Report

Abstract

Hereditary fibromatosis of the gingiva is a rare disease that is mainly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Fibromatosis of the gingiva in children has been reported to develop during puberty, while cases in infancy are quite rare. We experienced a case of hereditary fibromatosis of the gingiva in a twomonth-old girl that had been initially noted at the time of birth.

Gingiva color was normal and no inflammatory symptoms were noted. A walnut-shaped palatine ridge 5×10 mm in size was seen on the palate. Because of gingival hypertrophy, an intermaxillary space during occlusion was not detected. Follow-up was determined to be the best treatment plan for this case, as (1) no deciduous tooth had yet erupted, (2) height and weight were normal, though feeding required an extended amount of time, and (3) unnecessary surgical invasion should not be performed for a child aged two months. Nevertheless, we also were prepared to perform a gingivectomy should some problems occur, such as delayed eruption of a tooth, a functional disorder, or rapid growth of fibromatosis.

Follow-up examinations showed that all deciduous teeth erupted at normal times and gingival hyperplasia regressed with tooth eruption. It is considered that periodic observation is the best option for hereditary gingival fibromatosis in infantile cases with deciduous dentition in an unerupted stage, with a plan for surgical treatment for specific problems that may develop.