Plasma-cell gingivitis in children and adults. A clinical and histological description.

Plasma-cell gingivitis (PCG) is a rare, non-symptomatic lesion found in the attached gingiva. In the county of Södermanland 14 cases of PCG were identified during the last 13 years. Clinically, the PCG is a sharply demarcated red area within the attached gingiva. Abundant plasma cells are found in the connective tissue beneath a thin epithelium. Lesions with similar clinical appearance were also found in the genital mucosa of five of the patients with a PCG. An extensive bacterial plaque was frequently found on the gingiva and teeth in the affected areas. Although an improved oral or genital hygiene did not heal the lesions, an allergic reaction to the bacterial plaque may be the cause.