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Gingival enlargement induced by drugs
1Unit of Periodontics, Facultat d'Odontologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
Drug Safety
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Gingival enlargement, abnormal gum tissue growth, is linked to plaque and certain medications like phenytoin, cyclosporin, and calcium antagonists. Surgical removal is often the last resort when other treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gingival enlargement is abnormal growth of periodontal tissue.
- It is associated with plaque-related inflammation and drug therapy.
- The exact incidence in the general population is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes and treatment of gingival enlargement.
- To highlight drug-induced gingival overgrowth.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of gingival enlargement.
- Analysis of drug-induced gingival overgrowth mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Gingival enlargement causes aesthetic issues, pain, bleeding, and periodontal problems.
- Phenytoin, cyclosporin, and calcium antagonists are implicated in drug-induced gingival overgrowth.
- These drugs alter fibroblast function, increasing extracellular matrix in gingival tissue.
Conclusions:
- Drug-induced gingival enlargement requires management when conservative measures fail.
- Surgical excision of gingival tissue is the primary treatment option if drug modification is not feasible.