Phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement.

To cite: Chacko LN, Abraham S. BMJ Case Rep Published online: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/bcr-2014204670 DESCRIPTION Gingival overgrowth occurs as a side effect of some systemic medications. It is now well established that phenytoin is one such agent. It has multiple therapeutic indications ranging from convulsive disorders and neuralgias to cardiac arrhythmia. The incidence rate of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth ranges from 3% to 93%, but 50% of patients on long-term therapy are prone to develop gingival overgrowth. This drug-induced overgrowth is noticed initially in the papillary region and during the course of the process involves the margins and the gingival attachment. As the tissue enlarges, it develops a characteristically lobulated and thickened appearance either partially or sometimes completely covering the tooth surfaces. The colour ranges from pink to a deep bluish red depending on the amount of inflammatory infiltrate present in the tissues and secondary inflammation may induce oedema, ulcerations and bleeding. The overgrowth takes 2–3 months to become noticeable and can take 12–18 months to reach its maximal severity. The anterior teeth are more commonly involved when compared to posterior teeth with greater involvement seen on the buccal surface. Some concerns experienced by the patient include unsightly appearance, discomfort, interference with mastication and speech, impediment of oral hygiene activities resulting in halitosis and in severe extents even normal alignment of the teeth is altered. The pathogenesis of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth is multifactorial. The fundamental disturbance occurs in the gingival fibroblast. The inflammatory changes that occur within the gingival tissues seem to orchestrate the interaction between the drug and fibroblast. Phenytoin and its metabolites have a direct action on the highactivity fibroblast population present in the gingiva leading to a subsequent increase in collagen production. The gingival fibroblasts can also metabolise phenytoin and this may determine the susceptibility of the patient to phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement. A positive relationship exists between the dose of phenytoin and severity of the overgrowth. Some unwanted effects of phenytoin that may relate to gingival overgrowth are immunosuppression, folic acid depletion, suppression of adrenocortical and changes in calcium metabolism. Identification of patients at risk is crucial to adopt measures to minimise the onset and severity of this condition. Medical practitioners should ideally inform patients of the possibility of this adverse effect of the drug and emphasise the importance of a dental check up at least twice in the first 3 months after phenytoin therapy is initiated. Dental professionals can motivate affected individuals to maintain better oral hygiene practices which can diminish the side effects and even reduce the likelihood of surgical intervention. Reducing the dose or providing suitable drug substitution often brings about partial or complete regression of the lesion and can be considered after a physician consult. However, in severe enlargements surgical gingival resection would be required. Scalpel gingivectomy, flap surgery, electrosurgery and laser gingivectomy are the surgical modalities frequently used to manage severe overgrowths. Thus good communication and