Phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement: a dental awakening for patients with epilepsy

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Apr 23:2013:bcr2013008679. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-008679.

Abstract

Drug-induced gingival enlargement is the term now used to describe medication-related gingival hypertrophy or hyperplasia, a condition commonly induced by three main classes of drugs: anticonvulsants, antihypertensive calcium channel blockers and the immunosuppressant cyclosporine. The pathogenesis of drug-induced gingival enlargement is uncertain and there appears to be no unifying hypothesis that links together the three commonly implicated drugs. Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth is a well known and frequently reported gingival lesion, which was first detected in 1939. This case report consists of phenytoin usage, duration and poor oral hygiene.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Gingival Hyperplasia / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Phenytoin