Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE DRUG INDUCED GINGIVAL ENLARGEMENT: A CASE SERIES

Dr. Bhavya B.*, Dr. Ashwini S., Dr. Saagar B., Dr. Gayathri K., Dr. Minnu Joe Ida, Dr. Prachi and Dr. Sophia Johnson

ABSTRACT

Gingival enlargement is one of the side effects associated with certain drugs. Many antihypertensive drugs have been found associated with gingival hyperplasia. This case series presents diagnosis and management of anti-hypertensive drugs induced gingival hyperplasia. The pathogenesis of gingival enlargement is uncertain and the treatment is still chiefly limited to the maintenance of a high level of oral hygiene and surgical removal of the overgrown tissue of the gingiva followed by regular appointments of follow up monitored by the clinician and a well-motivated patient. Various factors may influence the correlation between the drugs and gingival tissues. Various protocols to be followed are: Meticulous oral hygiene maintenance, drug substitution to alternative drug, proficient scaling and root planning and surgical excision of enlarged gingival tissue which can largely improve the effect of these drugs on the gingival tissues.

Keywords: Drug induced Gingival Enlargement, Anti-hypertensive drugs, Drug substitution, Non-surgical periodontal therapy, Gingivectomy.