What is a fibroid and how does it affect your dental health?

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An oral fibroma is a common benign scar-like reaction caused by persistent long-lasting irritation in the mouth.

Although oral fibroma is its most common name, it can also be known by one of the following names:

traumatic fibroma

Focal intraoral fibrous hyperplasia

fibrous nodule

oral polyp

What Causes Oral Fibroid?

Fibroid is the most common tumor of the oral tissues and is classified as a reactive hyperplasia usually caused by chronic local irritation. Although irritation fibroma usually disappears if the cause of friction is removed, some fibroids or fibrous proliferations (tissue growth) are not associated with chronic oral trauma, such as giant cell fibroma or fibromatosis.

These types of injuries are most commonly seen in older adults, but can occur at any age. It affects 1-2% of adults.

It is usually due to chronic irritation caused by biting the cheeks or lips, rubbing a rough tooth, or rubbing against dentures or other types of dental prosthetics.

Often patients are aware that they have been traumatizing an area multiple times. They may even admit to constant or chronic chewing of fibrous growth and come to the attention of the dentist. The patient's chronic behavior often becomes standard daily practice and can cause the fibroid to continue to grow in size.

What is oral fibroma like?

An oral fibroma presents as a smooth, firm papule in the mouth. It is usually the same color as the rest of the lining of the mouth, but sometimes it is paler or, if there has been bleeding, it may be dark in color. Its outer surface may ulcerate from trauma or become rough and scaly. It is usually dome-shaped, but may have a short stalk like a polyp (pedunculated). If it has developed under a denture, it may be flat with a leaf shape.

The most common location of an oral fibroid is on the inside of the cheek, where the upper and lower teeth meet. Other common sites include the sides of the tongue, the gums, and the inside of the lower lip.

Apart from touch and appearance, oral fibroids do not cause any symptoms. They develop over weeks to months to a maximum size, usually about 1 cm in diameter, but can sometimes be larger.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis of oral fibroma is suspected clinically when there is the usual history and the findings of the introral examination. A biopsy may be taken to rule out other conditions or to remove the lesion. Histology shows typical dense fibrous tissue with relatively few cells. The overlying epithelium may be ulcerated, thinned, or thickened.

Source: adeslasdental

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