[Epulis during pregnancy]

Abstract

Epulis is a hyperplastic lesion, which originates from the buccal mucosa and mainly from gingival tissues. It is characterised by several histologic types, of which the prevalent type during pregnancy is the granulomatous type, which is composed mainly of capillary vessels and endothelial proliferation. This lesion is referred to as "pregnancy tumor". The true prevalence of this lesion during pregnancy is unknown, though its peak incidence is during the third decade of life--compatible with pregnancy age. Furthermore, epulis is more prevalent among women than men (1:4-7). Normally, epulis appear on the frontal part of the maxilla during the third trimester. The lesion usually causes no symptoms apart from its very presence. Etiologic factors are improper maintenance of oral hygiene which lead to chronic gingivitis and high gingival levels of active progesterone which acts in a yet unindefined mechanism. Treatment includes firstly removal of irritating factors and secondly surgical conservative excision of the lesion.