Gingival hyperplasia:
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What is gingival hyperplasia?
- An increase in size and thickness of the soft tissue which surrounds a tooth results in overgrowth of the gums (gingiva).
- Frequently, the gums grow large enough to completely cover the teeth.
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What causes gingival hyperplasia?
- An exaggerated reaction by the gingiva to bacteria and tartar on the teeth. Usually periodontal diseases cause gingiva to recede. Boxers have the opposite reaction.
- Certain medications used to treat seizures, allergies, infection or high blood pressure can cause gingival hyperplasia. This is usually reversible if the medications can be stopped.
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Can gingival hyperplasia appear for other reasons?
- Swollen gums may be caused by tumors, warts, foreign body reactions or infections or tooth resorption.
- Sometimes the soft tissue in the cheeks or under the tongue will also swell due to chronic irritation. This is not gingival hyperplasia.
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What effect does gingival hyperplasia have?
- Tartar and infection get trapped between the teeth and excess gums.
- Progressive periodontal disease is the most common effect of gingival hyperplasia
- If left untreated, bone and tooth loss will occur.
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How is it diagnosed?
- Step 1: look for thickened gingiva, oral odor, drooling, “disappearing” teeth, and other signs of periodontal disease.
- Step 2: take dental radiographs
- Step 3: histopathology should be performed if a tumor is suspected or the affected areas do not respond as expected to conventional treatment
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How is it treated or prevented?
- Daily tooth brushing and annual dental cleanings with anesthesia
- Surgical removal and reshaping of the excess gingiva
- Extraction of teeth with severe periodontal disease
Gingiva covering premolar teeth
COMING SOON: Epulids
