Relationship between periodontal inflammation and calcium channel blockers induced gingival overgrowth-a cross-sectional study in a Japanese population.

OBJECTIVES: Periodontal inflammation is regarded as a risk factor for drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO). In order to elucidate the involvement of periodontal inflammation in DIGO, the periodontal status of subjects who do not develop DIGO despite receiving causative drugs (non-responders) needs to be examined. Therefore, the aim of the present study which was a pilot study was to assess periodontal inflammatory variables in responders (calcium channel blocker induced-GO patients), non-responders, and patients who did not receive causative drugs (non-consumers). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following parameters were measured: (1) existence of gingival overgrowth, (2) number of teeth, (3) mean periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and (4) percentage of positive sites for bleeding on probing (BOP). The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and periodontal epithelial surface area (PESA) and the PISA/PESA ratio which indicated the degree of periodontal inflammation in each patient were also used to evaluate periodontal inflammation. RESULTS: Thirteen responders, 32 non-responders, and 83 non-consumers were included in the analyses. The mean PPD, percentage of BOP, PESA, and PISA, and the PISA/PESA ratio were significantly higher in responders than in non-responders and non-consumers (p < 0.01). The BOP, PISA, and PISA/PESA ratio were significantly lower in non-responders than in non-consumers (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between PPD and age in non-consumers. On the other hand, a negative correlation was noted between PPD and age in non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal inflammation may be associated with the initiation of DIGO. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It could be speculated that periodontal therapy before the administration of calcium channel blockers may prevent the development of gingival overgrowth.

Harmful consequences of specific substances on the oral health.

Numerous substances may have an adverse influence on the oral region by virtue of their potentially harmful effects. Dental practitioners are often the first to see these effects in the head and neck region. Knowledge of the damaging consequences of agents such as alcohol, tobacco, areca nut, medications, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, dental devices and materials can assist the practitioners in clinical decision-making and accurate diagnosis of associated lesions. More importantly, timely diagnosis and prompt reporting of such harmful effects improve the quality of care. Such knowledge may also help in patient's education for the avoidance of associated adverse effects (AEs). Consequently, a thorough acquaintance of AEs will consolidate the distinct role of medical and oral health practitioners in safeguarding the patients' oral and systemic well-being. This article was planned to review the harmful consequences of specific substances on the oral health. Traditionally, the emphasis of review articles has been on reviewing the harmful effects of a single entity on oral health. This review is unique in the sense that it comprehensively and collectively focussed on the harmful effects on the oral health of addictive and illicit substances (alcohol, betel nut), medications, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, medications and dental materials.

Oral health of pediatric liver transplant recipients.

To evaluate oral health conditions in pediatric liver transplant recipients, with special focus on caries, green staining of the teeth, gingival bleeding, and gingival overgrowth. 40 patients (mean age 11.6 years) were examined at a routine follow-up visit, 6 months to 16 years after liver transplantation at the Swiss Center for Liver Disease in Children. After the medical examination, participants were further examined for the presence of dental caries, periodontal disease, GE, and GTC. The mean decay, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) score was 3.8. 45% of the participants presented at least one carious lesion. Two-third of the participants had more than 20% of sites with the presence of plaque and gingival inflammation. Signs of GE were found in 18% and GTC in 30% of the participants. A positive correlation was identified between GTC and peak serum bilirubin (P<.001) and primary diagnosis of cholestatic disease (P=.04). Gingival inflammation was associated with plaque (P<.001), use of immunosuppressive medication (P=.04), and was more pronounced in children with cholestatic disease (P=.007). Children and young adults with liver transplants presented a rather poor oral health status. Liver transplant physicians should counsel patients for regular dental follow-up in order to avoid serious dental infections.

An update on crown lengthening. Part 1: Gingival tissue excess.

This is the first article in a two-part series which aims to provide an overview of the different techniques used to increase clinical crown height. In the first paper, the focus will be on the management of patients who present with gingival tissue excess. The different aetiologies are discussed and illustrated with clinical cases, following which a range of procedures that may be employed in the management of these patients are presented. With an increasingly ageing population, more patients are taking regular medications prescribed from their general medical practitioner, and so having a working knowledge of the specific drugs that may cause gingival enlargement is essential. Clinical Relevance: When patients with gingival tissue excess present in primary or secondary care, a clinician must have a good knowledge of the possible causes of the condition, as well as an idea of how the patient may be managed.

Successful nonsurgical management of post-orthodontic gingival enlargement with intensive cause-related periodontal therapy.

Successful nonsurgical management of severe postorthodontic gingival enlargement and erythema in a 24-year-old male is presented. The patient received an intensive cause-related periodontal therapy, consisting of oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root planing, and weekly recall visits. At week five, complete resolution of the lesions was achieved. By targeting the primary etiologic factor, i.e., plaque, periodontal health was restored without needing surgical intervention. Reducing the bacterial load will give the biologic natural healing capacity of the body the opportunity to stabilize the periodontal condition and, thus, should be considered as the first line of intervention before a surgical approach is taken.

Association of CD14-260 polymorphisms, red-complex periodontopathogens and gingival crevicular fluid cytokine levels with cyclosporine A-induced gingival overgrowth in renal transplant patients.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUD AND OBJECTIVE: Genetic factors may influence the colonization of pathogenic bacteria, therefore increasing the risk for the initiation and development of periodontal disease. The present study was carried out to investigate the association of CD14-260 polymorphisms, subgingival microbiota, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokine levels with cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) in renal transplant patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 204 patients were dichotomized into two groups: 124 with GO and 80 without GO. The CD14-260 polymorphisms were measured using an allele-specific PCR method. The levels of periodontal pathogens were determined by real-time PCR of subgingival samples. GCF levels of IL-1ß and sCD14 were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The frequency of CD14-260 genotype CT + TT was found to be similar in both groups. Patients with GO presented increased prevalence of Pg, Td, and Tf (red complex) and significantly higher levels of interleukin -1ß than those without GO. Patients with GO carrying CT + TT genotypes were found to have higher frequencies of Pg, Td, and Tf than those carrying the CC genotype. Furthermore, in the presence of red complex, CT + TT genotypes were associated with higher interleukin -1ß levels and severe GO. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the severity of GO is not dependent on age, gender and pharmacological variables, being only associated with CD14-260 genotype and red complex periodontopathogens. CONCLUSION: No association between CD14-260 polymorphisms and the prevalence of GO was revealed in renal transplant patients administered CsA. However, CD14-260 CT + TT genotypes are associated with the prevalence of red complex periodontopathogens in patients with GO, and may thus play some role in the development of severe CsA-induced GO.

Orofacial diseases in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: Solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at risk of several diseases, principally attributable to immunosuppression. This global overview of SOT/HSCT-associated orofacial diseases is aimed at providing a practical instrument for the oral healthcare management of SOT/HSCT recipients. METHODS: Literature search was made through MEDLINE. The associations between orofacial diseases and SOT/HSCT were assessed using observational studies and case series and were classified into 'association', 'no association', and 'unclear association'. RESULTS: Lip/oral cancers, drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), infections, including hairy leukoplakia and, less frequently, post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) and oral lichenoid lesions of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), were associated with SOT. Lip/oral cancers, GVHD, mucositis, DIGO, infections and, less frequently, PTLDs were associated with HSCT. Associations of orofacial granulomatosis-like lesions and oral mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type lymphoma with SOT, and of pyogenic granuloma and hairy leukoplakia with HSCT were unclear. Periodontal disease and dental caries were not associated with SOT/HSCT. For none of the local treatments was there a strong evidence of effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Solid organ transplant/HSCT recipients are at risk of orofacial diseases. Adequate management of these patients alleviates local symptoms responsible for impaired eating, helps prevent systemic and lethal complications, and helps where dental healthcare has been neglected.

Non-drug induced gingival enlargement.

Gingival enlargement refers to an increase in the size of the gingival tissue. The etiology varies, and often is multifactorial; however, local and systemic conditions, disease, and idiopathic factors may contribute to gingival enlargement. Tissue consistency can vary from soft and spongy to dense, typically appearing darker in shade compared to the drug-induced gingival enlargement. Treatment modalities usually involve surgical removal of excess tissue, non-surgical debridement, use of chemotherapeutic agents, and/or elimination or mitigation of contributing factors and conditions.

No difference in surgical outcomes between open and closed exposure of palatally displaced maxillary canines.

PURPOSE: To investigate differences in surgical outcomes between open and closed exposure for palatally displaced maxillary canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial involved 2 parallel groups. The settings were 1 dental teaching hospital in and 2 hospital units near Sheffield, UK. Participants were younger than 20 years, had a unilateral palatally displaced maxillary canine, and provided informed consent. They were randomly allocated to receive the open or the closed surgical procedure. The outcomes were time spent in the operating room and 10-day postoperative patient questionnaire findings. Statistical differences between the 2 techniques were tested using independent t tests for continuous variables and χ(2) tests for frequencies. RESULTS: The final study sample was composed of 71 participants (64% female). There were no differences in the gender ratios (open: 27 female, 13 male; closed; 25 female, 16 male) or mean ages (open: 14.3 yrs; standard deviation [SD], 1.3 yrs; closed: 14.1 yrs; SD, 1.6 yrs) of the 2 groups at the start. The mean operating times for the open and closed techniques were 34.3 minutes (SD, 11.2 min) and 34.3 minutes (SD, 11.9 min), respectively (P = .986). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 treatment groups for any patient-assessed outcome (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the surgical outcomes investigated in this study between open and closed exposure for palatally displaced maxillary canines.

Association between gingival bleeding and gingival enlargement and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of subjects under fixed orthodontic treatment: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are scarce evidences that evaluated the impact of periodontal disease on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) taking marginal gingival alterations into consideration. Thus, this study aimed to verify the association between OHRQoL and gingival enlargement and gingival bleeding in subjects under fixed orthodontic treatment (FOT). METHODS: 330 participants under FOT for at least 6 months were examined by a single, calibrated examiner for periodontal variables and dental aesthetic index. Socio-economic background, body mass index, time with orthodontic appliances, and use of dental floss were assessed by oral interviews. OHRQoL was evaluated using the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. The assessment of associations used unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Higher impacts on the OHIP-14 overall were observed in subjects who presented higher levels of anterior gingival enlargement (RR 2.83; 95% CI 2.60-3.09), were non-whites (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.15-1.45), had household income lower than five national minimum wages (RR 1.85; 95% CI 1.30-2.61), presented body mass index>25 (RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.01-1.29), and showed a dental aesthetic index>30 (RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.20-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior gingival enlargement seems to influence the OHRQoL in subjects receiving orthodontic treatment.

Post-chemotherapeutic resolution of acute myeloid leukaemia-induced gingival enlargement: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Leukaemia is a neoplastic dsorder characterized by an excessive proliferation of immature white blood cells and their precursors. Patients with this potentially fatal condition may often first present with gingival enlargement. Early diagnosis of the underlying condition and prompt referral for appropriate therapy, may be life-saving. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old female was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology complaining of a generalised gingival enlargement that was aesthetically displeasing to her. She insisted on immediate surgical removal of the enlarged gingival tissue but, on counseling, agreed to have prior diagnostic tests performed. A full blood count suggested the presence of an underlying acute myeloid leukaemia. The patient was consequently referred to the Oncology Department for further investigation and management. The diagnosis was confirmed and the subsequent chemotherapeutic intervention was strikingly successful, leading to the complete resolution of the gingival enlargement. CONCLUSION: This paper emphasises the importance of a full diagnostic evaluation of all cases of gingival enlargement and immediate referral should a life-threatening condition be identified, such as, in the present case, acute myeloid leukaemia.

Gummy smile: could it be genetic? Hereditary gingival fibromatosis.

Gingival enlargement is common among patients and can be caused by a variety of etiological factors. The most common reason is poor oral hygiene and high bacterial load that leads to gingival inflammation and enlargement. Other implicated factors include systemic drugs, such as Phenytoin (Dilantin) taken by epileptic patients, Calcium Channel Blockers such as Nifedipine (Procardia) and Verapamil (Calan) for the treatment of hypertension, arrhythmia and angina. Another class of medication associated with gingival enlargement is immunosuppressive agents given to organ-transplant patients to prevent rejection of the new element, such as Cyclosporine. Some enlargements could be associated with other conditions such as puberty, pregnancy or diabetes or be a symptom of a systemic disease (leukemia, Wegener's granulomatosis or sarcoidosis). In rare cases the cause for the enlargement is genetic and termed Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis (HGF). HGF is a genetic disorder characterized by a progressive enlargement of the gingiva. Histologically, the gingiva is characterized by an accumulation of dense fibrous connective tissue. This is believed to be due to an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix composed mainly of collagen molecules or due to an alteration in fibroblast proliferation. Different pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed and examined over the years but no precise process has been identified. The main objective of this paper is to discuss this genetic anomaly and support it with clinical cases of a mother and her two children. It will focus on the clinical and histologic characteristics of HGF as well as known biologic and genetic features and treatment modalities.

TGF-ß1 gene polymorphism in renal transplant patients with and without gingival overgrowth.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gingival overgrowth among renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A ranges from 13% to 84.6%, and the overgrowth is not only esthetic but also a medical problem. We studied the determination of association between TGF-ß1 (TGFB1) gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth in kidney transplant patients medicated with cyclosporin A. METHODS: Eighty-four kidney transplant patients with gingival overgrowth and 140 control transplant patients without overgrowth were enrolled into the case control study. TGFB1 polymorphism was determined using the PCR-RFLP assay for +869T > C in codon 10 and +915G > C in codon 25 as well as TaqMan real-time PCR assays for promoter -800G>A and -509C > T SNPs. RESULTS: In kidney transplant patients suffering from gingival overgrowth, mean score of gingival overgrowth was 1.38 ± 0.60, whereas in control subjects it was 0.0. The patients with gingival overgrowth were characterized by similar distribution of TGFB1 genotypes and allele in comparison to subjects without gingival overgrowth. Among 16 potentially possible haplotypes of TGFB1 gene, only four were observed in the studied sample of kidney transplant patients: G_C_T_G, G_T_C_G, G_C_C_C, and A_C_T_G, with similar frequency in patients with and without gingival overgrowth. CONCLUSION: No association between the TGFB1 gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth was revealed in kidney transplant patients administered cyclosporine A.

Gingival overgrowth in Pompe disease: a case report.

Pompe disease, or glycogen storage disease type 2, is a rare inheritable metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid α-glucosidase. Patients with the classic infantile form of Pompe disease present with symptoms during the first 3 months after birth, and most will die within their first year. Recently, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human α-glucosidase became commercially available for Pompe disease. This is a case report of an 8-year-old girl with the infantile form of Pompe disease who is one of the longest survivors through ERT. The patient was tetraplegic when she started ERT. At age 3 years, she developed massive gingival overgrowth and could not close her mouth, prompting a reduction of the gingival overgrowth surgically. We expected that massive accumulation of glycogen would explain the gingival overgrowth. However, histopathology of the gingiva tissue showed marked glycogen accumulation in smooth muscle cells of the arteries, but the glycogen content in fibroblasts did not exceed that of control individuals. Further, there was an increase of immature collagen in the connective tissue, and signs of a mild chronic inflammation. We concluded that glycogen storage is not a direct causative factor of gingival overgrowth in our patient. Chronic inflammation, dryness of the gingiva, or even the minimal glycogen accumulation in the fibroblasts may have played a role.

Clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic factors of orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiologic and immunologic factors related to orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement (GE). METHODS: Our study included 12 patients with GE undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and 12 periodontally healthy controls. At baseline, periodontal variables, subgingival plaque samples, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken from 2 preselected sites in both the GE and the control groups. The levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. GCF interleukin (IL)-1ß and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Invitrogen, Camarillo, Calif). Periodontal therapy was given to the GE group, and all parameters were reassessed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: At baseline, the GE group showed higher prevalences of the 5 periodontal pathogens than did the control group (P <0.05). IL-1ß and TGF-ß1 levels at the GE sites were also significantly higher than those at the control sites (P <0.05). Four weeks after periodontal therapy, the GE group showed significant improvements in the clinical parameters associated with significant reductions of P gingivalis, A actinomycetemcomitans, and T denticola. The levels of IL-1ß decreased significantly compared with the baseline (P <0.05), whereas there was no significant change in TGF-ß1 levels (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal pathogens might have a relationship with the initiation and development of orthodontic treatment-induced GE. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TGF-ß1) can also be considered as contributing factors.

[A woman with gingival enlargement]. / Een vrouw met gezwollen tandvlees.

A 65-year-old female complained of diffuse and rapidly progressive gingival enlargement. Gingival overgrowth can be caused by medication, infections or systemic diseases. In case of generalized, quickly progressive gingival enlargement, acute myeloid leukemia should be considered. Blood results showed an acute myelomonocytic leukemia. Treating the leukemia resolved the symptoms.

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene polymorphism in renal transplant patients with gingival overgrowth.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Gingival enlargement frequently occurs in transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. It was hypothesized that gingival enlargement associated with cyclosporine use results from reduced degradation of extracellular matrix in the gingiva. Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is involved in biodegradation of the extracellular matrix, and its inhibition may contribute to an abnormal accumulation of fibronectin and proteoglycans, which are MMP-3 substrates. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an association exists between MMP-3 genotypes and gingival enlargement in kidney transplant patients medicated with cyclosporine A. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four unrelated kidney transplant patients suffering from gingival overgrowth, as well as 111 control transplant patients without gingival overgrowth, were enrolled in the study. Gingival overgrowth was assessed 6 mo after transplantation. During the post-transplant period all patients were given cyclosporine A as a principal immunosuppressive agent. MMP-3 polymorphism was determined using a PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. RESULTS: In kidney transplant patients suffering from gingival overgrowth the mean gingival overgrowth score was 1.35 +/- 0.57, whereas in control subjects the mean gingival overgrowth score was 0.0. The distribution of MMP-3-1178A/dupA alleles among all kidney transplant patients, as well as in the two study subgroups, did not differ significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency of the MMP-3-1171A/A genotype (28.1% for gingival overgrowth vs. 26.1% for controls) and of the MMP-3-1171dupA/dupA genotype (32.8% for gingival overgrowth vs. 22.5% for controls) was similar for both study groups. The risk of gingival overgrowth was lowest among patients carrying the MMP-3-1171A/dupA genotype (odds ratio 0.52), but this did not differ markedly from the other genotypes. CONCLUSION: No association between MMP-3 gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth was revealed in kidney transplant patients administered cyclosporine A.

[Enlargement of the gingiva during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances]. / Zwelling van de gingiva bij orthodontische behandeling met volledig vaste apparatuur.

Gingival enlargement commonly occurs in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. In a study, 25 patients were monitored during and after treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. The extent of the enlargement of the gingiva was determined by means of intra-oral photographs made shortly before the placement of the appliances, immediately after their removal and at 3 and 6 months after the appliances had been removed. The enlargement of the gingival was determined using a Visual Analogue Scale. During orthodontic treatment the average degree of gingival enlargement increased significantly. After removal of the appliances a significant decrease in the degree of gingival enlargement occurred. Within 3 months after debonding the gingival enlargement was at the same level as before starting the orthodontic treatment. The conclusion was that the enlargement of the gingiva that takes place during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances was reversible.

Overgrowth of soft tissues after transplantation of a connective tissue graft for the treatment of gingival recession.

The application of free connective tissue graft (CTG) is the gold standard in the treatment of gingival recession in the area of teeth and implants. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate a possible mucosal overgrowth complication in the soft tissue grafting area. A 24-year-old patient underwent the treatment of gingival recession in the tooth 2.3 region by an envelope technique using a free CTG from the hard palate region. Seven years after the surgery, a mucosal overgrowth was observed, which developed asymptomatically and did not cause any problems to the patient.

Modifications of periodontal tissues associated with Williams syndrome. A case report.

Williams syndrome, also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome, or elfin-facies syndrome, was described by Dr. Williams and Dr. Beuren for the first time in 1961 and 1962. This multisystem, congenital and panethnic disorder is characterized by a number of developmental and physical abnormalities like excess of gingiva. The goal of this article is to present the application of a protocol of periodontal treatment leading to the functional rehabilitation of the oral areas affected by excess of gingiva. A 19-year-old boy, diagnosed as suffering from Williams Syndrome, was brought to the dental school, University of Cagliari, seeking for orthodontic and periodontal treatment. During the consultation the excess of gingiva needing periodontal treatment was noticed. This report reveals a classic presentation of the syndrome, with emphasis on its oral and periodontal manifestations. Periodontal management included periodontal flap surgery to treat the excess of gingiva performing clinical crown lengthening. Re-evaluation of the patient after two months showed remarkable reduction of the excess of gingiva. Williams syndrome is clinically important to the periodontist, because of its associated features of excess of gingiva. Periodic examinations are recommended to identify any possible recurrence or complications.