This is the excessive growth of the gums and is also known as gingival hypertrophy. This is considered to be a rare condition and can be congenital. Gingival hyperplasia is also evident in children who suffer from an epileptic condition. Gingival enlargement can be divided into inflammatory gingival enlargement, hereditary gingival enlargement, medication-induced and systemic cause of gingival enlargement. The cause of each type of gingival enlargement is different and their treatment accordingly varies.
Inflammatory gingival enlargement
This can be a generalized condition that occurs as the result of poor oral hygiene such as plaque accumulation on the teeth. The gums affected by the inflammatory gingival enlargement appear to be soft, red and can bleed easily. This condition can become better with the removal of the plaque or by maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Hereditary gingival enlargement
This usually occurs in the childhood but may not become evident until the individual reaches adulthood. Hereditary gingival enlargement can either occur as a generalized or localized condition that appears to be firm and pale enlargement of the gingival. The treatment for this includes the surgical removal of the excess gingival to prevent the displacement of the teeth.
Medication-induced gingival hyperplasia
Some of the medications that are associated with the excess growth include immunosuppressant medications, seizure medications and calcium blockers that are used to treat various cardiovascular conditions. The gum tissues of the affected individual appear to be typically firm, pale pink, non-tender and don’t easily bleed. The individuals severely affected with this condition may have the gingiva that completely covers the crowns of the teeth causing problems such as periodontal disease, tooth eruption and their alignment. The treatment is focused on changing the medications or their discontinuation that can either partially or completely resolve the condition. The excess gingiva may require surgery although the condition can recover.
Systemic causes of gingival enlargement
There are various conditions that can cause the localized or the generalized gingival enlargement. Some of the causes include pregnancy, vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalances, cancerous growth and leukemia. This type of gingival enlargement usually resolves on its own when the underlying cause is treated such as the hormonal imbalance. However, ensuring the proper oral hygiene is important to reduce the risk of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
Most of the cases of gingival enlargement are identified by the dentist after evaluating the medical history and with the physical examination of the individual. However, in some of the cases, additional tests may be required to identify the exact cause of the condition such as blood samples or a biopsy.
Treatment
Some of the common courses of treatment identified for the gingival hyperplasia include properly oral hygiene such as regular teeth brushing, dental plague removal and the use of antiseptic mouthwash. Surgical removal of the gingival enlargement and daily oral rinse with chlorhexidine is usually recommended in the case of recurrence. In addition, ultrasonic treatment can also treat gingival hyperplasia and in some cases, antibiotic therapy may be necessary to prevent the secondary infection.
References
http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/gingival-enlargement/