Risk factors for drug-induced gingival overgrowth

Background/Aims: Drug-induced gingival overgrowth remains a significant pro blem for the periodontologist. Many patients medicated with the drugs impli cated in this unwanted effect experience significant, recurrent gingival pr oblems that, require repeated surgical excisions. In this review, we attemp t to identify and quantify the Various "risk factors" associated with both the development and expression of the drug-induced gingival changes. Method: The risk factors appraised include age, sex, drug variables, concom itant medication, periodontal variables and genetic factors. Elucidation of such factors may help to identify "at risk patients" and then develop appr opriate treatment strategies. Results: Of the factors identified, the only one that can be affected by th e periodontologist is the patents' periodontal condition. However, drug var iables and concomitant medication do impact upon the expression of gingival overgrowth. Conclusion: The identification of risk factors associated with both the pre valence and severity of drug-induced gingival overgrowth is important for a ll parties involved with this unwanted effect. Both periodontologist and pa tient have an important role to play in improving oral hygiene and gingival health. Likewise, there is always an opportunity to establish a close liai son between the patient's physician and the periodontologist to try and ide ntify alternative drug regimens that can help reduce the impact of this unw anted effect.