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Merck Manual
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The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Medical Topics & Chapters
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H
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Professional /
Dental Disorders /
Periodontal Disorders /
... /
Gingival Hyperplasia /

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Periodontal Disorders
Periodontitis
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions

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Gingival Hyperplasia

By

James T. Ubertalli

, DMD, Hingham, MA

Last full review/revision Jul 2020| Content last modified Jul 2020
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Topic Resources

Hyperplasia of gingival tissues without inflammation may occur in response to various drugs.

Drugs that particularly cause gingival hyperplasia include the following:

  • Phenytoin

  • Cyclosporine

  • Nifedipine and other calcium channel blockers

Hyperplasia is characterized by diffuse, relatively avascular smooth or nodular enlargement of the gingiva, which may almost cover some teeth. The hypertrophied tissue can often be excised. If possible, substitutions are made for the offending drugs. Scrupulous oral hygiene may minimize recurrence.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma can also originate in the gingiva, causing apparent enlargement of gum tissue.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Cyclosporine
 NEORAL, SANDIMMUNE
Nifedipine
 ADALAT CC, PROCARDIA
Phenytoin
 DILANTIN
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© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)
Gingivitis
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