Identifying etiologies of gingival enlargement
Factors contributing to gingival enlargement could include medications, systemic diseases, hereditary disorders like gingival fibromatosis, hormone activity such as those that increase during puberty or pregnancy, according to a report from RDH magazine.
The experts suggested that dental hygienists inquire about a patient’s medical history during intraoral examinations. For instance, patients with leukemia may have gingival swelling with or without ulcerations and those with tuberous sclerosis can present with enamel hypoplasia and fibromatous gingival enlargement. Additionally, calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, immune suppressant cyclosporine, hypertensives and oral contraceptives can all affect the size of the gingiva.
The experts concluded that multidisciplinary collaboration could aid dental hygienists in properly diagnosing gingival enlargement and providing recommendations.
Read more: RDH magazine
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