Summary:
There are emerging new problems associated with medication side effect with development of therapeutic
modalities of current medical approaches. Some of these, such as Cyclosporin A (CsA), anticonvulsants,
calcium channel blockers are associated with gingival overgrowth. We know the pharmacological mechanism of
action, clinical and histopathological pictures, but the question about etiopathogenesis remains still open. The
mechanism of gingival hyperplasia development is complicated and includes action of many co-factors, such as
plaque, genetic predisposition, age and hormones. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth appears to be more prevalent
in children and adolescents and has a predilection for the anterior gingival tissues. Gingival changes can
occur within 3 month of dosage. The pattern of overgrowth development shows intra-patient variation, but may
reach a “state of equilibrium” often within the first year of commencing medication. Changes in drug therapy or
systemic illness may alter this state and lead to further gingival changes. Most studies show that an association
therapy or systemic illness may alter this state and lead to further gingival changes. Most studies show an association
between oral hygiene status and both the prevalence and severity of drug-induced gingival overgrowth.
The question is whether the plaque is the contributory factor or a consequence of the gingival changes.
Key words:
gingival overgrowth (Gingival Hyperplasia) – false periodontal pockets – periodontal indexes
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