Gingival hyperplasia, or gum overgrowth, can be caused by poor dental hygiene, medications, systemic disease, hormonal changes, and genetic conditions. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include stopping medication, oral hygiene measures, antibiotics, and surgery. If left untreated, it can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Gingival hyperplasia, which involves the overgrowth of gum tissue, has a variety of causes, including poor dental hygiene, medications, systemic disease, and hormonal changes. You may need surgery to correct this condition, but some lifestyle changes can also help clear up symptoms. Also known as gum enlargement or hypertrophic gingivitis, this condition is characterized by a firm, benign swelling of the gums. In addition to looking unsightly, it can cause discomfort and difficulty speaking or chewing, and can lead to bad breath.
Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of gingival hyperplasia due to the buildup of plaque, which causes inflammation and bleeding in the gums. Some classes of drugs can also cause this condition. Immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, and calcium channel blockers can stimulate the overgrowth of gum tissue, causing this disorder. Antidepressants and antibiotics have also been implicated in gum overgrowth, albeit much less frequently.
Systemic diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), diabetes and Crohn’s disease, as well as blood diseases such as leukemia, can also cause gingival hyperplasia. The hormonal changes of puberty and pregnancy can stimulate excessive growth of the gums, as can nutritional deficiencies such as scurvy from vitamin C deficiency. This condition could also be the result of rare genetic conditions, such as hereditary fibromatosis, Pfeiffer or infantile systemic hyalinosis. Braces can cause this type of hyperplasia due to the buildup of bacteria in areas that can make it difficult to remove.
The appropriate treatment for gingival hyperplasia depends on the underlying cause. If a certain medication has led to the condition, stopping the medication, when appropriate, will halt the progression of the gum overgrowth. Oral hygiene measures such as removing plaque, using antiseptic mouthwashes, and proper brushing and flossing can improve the condition; antibiotics may also be needed to help control bacterial overgrowth. Orthodontists typically recommend a water irrigation device to more thoroughly remove debris from teeth that are covered by braces.
Gum hyperplasia that is caused by the hormonal changes of puberty or pregnancy typically straightens out after the body’s hormone levels return to normal. Surgery to remove excess tissue may be warranted in severe cases and may need to be repeated for best results. Proper treatment is important because this condition can lead to bone and tooth loss if left unchecked.
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