Living with Hereditary gingival fibromatosis
A rare inherited condition in which the gums slowly overgrow, often when teeth come in.
Understanding Hereditary gingival fibromatosis
It affects the gums around the upper and lower teeth. It usually starts when permanent teeth come in, more rarely with baby teeth, or even at birth. The overgrowth can be limited to one area or widespread, and smooth or lumpy, and its severity varies. It can happen alone or as part of a syndrome.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Gum enlargement (gingival overgrowth)
- Gum overgrowth around the upper teeth
- Gum overgrowth around the lower teeth
- Smooth or lumpy gum tissue
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and gum, teeth and mouth specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Gum, teeth and mouth specialists (odontologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. When it occurs alone, it is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.
Also known as: autosomal dominant gingival fibromatosis; autosomal dominant gingival hyperplasia; hereditary fibrous enlargement of gingiva; hereditary gingival hyperplasia; hgf
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Hereditary gingival fibromatosis.
Explore research for Hereditary gingival fibromatosis
Explore actively recruiting Hereditary gingival fibromatosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Hereditary gingival fibromatosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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