NIFEDIPINE INDUCED GINGIVAL ENLARGEMENT

Gingival enlargements are most undesirable consequences of few drugs like anti-convulsants, immunosuppresants and calcium channel blockers. Gingival Enlargement (also known as Gingival hypertrophy or Gingival Hyperplasia) is an abnormal overgrowth of gingival tissues. Nifedipine is one of the commonest antihypertensive drugs (calcium channel blockers) used to treat hypertension and some forms of angina. Though it has various side effects, gingival enlargement is one of the most attended side effects by the dental practitioners. Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement is noticed in almost 10% of patients. It can be localized or generalized and can range from mild to severe, affecting patients appearance and function. Many cases will progress for long periods of time and it may be affected by secondary infection due to improper oral hygiene maintenance. This paper describes clinical features and management of gingival enlargement associated with nifedipine. Treatment generally employs substitution of the drug and then providing corrective surgery. Proper plaque control and effective oral hygiene can reduce its severity or prevent its occurrence.