Gingival Overgrowth Quiz (ODS Learning Outcomes)

Study Notes

Gingival Overgrowth: Clinical Features and Management

Clinical Features of Gingival Overgrowth:
- Cellular hypertrophy: Increase in individual cell size.
- Fibrosis: Accumulation of collagenous connective tissue.
- Cellular hyperplasia: Increase in the number of individual cells.
- Oedema: Abnormally large fluid collection in intercellular spaces.
Causative Factors of Gingival Overgrowth:
- Inflammatory enlargements: Chronic and acute inflammation.
- Drug-induced enlargements: Certain medications.
- Systemic disease-related enlargements: Conditions like leukemia.
- Neoplastic enlargements: Gingival tumors.
- False enlargements: Misinterpretation of underlying bone or dental tissue enlargement.
Assessment Measures for Gingival Overgrowth:
- 0: No enlargement.
- 1: Enlargement limited to interdental papillae.
- 2: Enlargement involves papillae and gingival margins.
- 3: Enlargement covers more than ¾ of the tooth.
Classification of Gingival Overgrowth:
- Localized: Limited to a single tooth or group of teeth.
- Generalized: Involves gingiva throughout the mouth.
- Marginal: Confined to gingival margins.
- Papillary: Limited to interdental papilla.
- Discrete: Isolated enlargement (e.g., abscess).
- Diffuse: Involves gingival margin, attached gingiva, and interdental papilla (often linked to leukemia).
Impact of Gingival Overgrowth on Oral Health and Patient Well-being:
- Aesthetics: Unattractive appearance.
- Functional difficulties: Food impaction, difficulty eating, impaired speech.
- Pain: Discomfort during eating.
- Increased caries risk: Difficulty cleaning leads to more cavities.
- Periodontal disease risk: Increased susceptibility to gum disease.
- Tooth movement: Pressure on teeth may cause shifts.
- Mouth breathing: May lead to dry mouth.
- Halitosis: Bad breath.
- Low self-esteem: Affect self-confidence and social interaction.
- Mental health issues: Potential for isolation and depression.
- Poor oral hygiene: Difficulty maintaining clean teeth.
- Underlying medical condition: Compliance issues due to other health factors.
Potential Management of Gingival Overgrowth:
- Professional care: Scaling, plaque removal, and professional cleaning techniques.
- Oral hygiene instruction: Proper brushing and flossing techniques.
- Interdental cleaning: Flossing or interdental brushes, particularly in cases with severe overgrowth.
- Medication assessment: Consult prescribing physician about any potential link between the medication and the overgrowth.
- Referral: Collaboration with a general practitioner if medication is a suspected cause.
Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth (DIGO):
- Associated medications: Anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers are among the main culprits.

Description

Explore the clinical features, causative factors, and assessment measures related to gingival overgrowth. This quiz provides an in-depth understanding of how to identify and manage this condition effectively. Test your knowledge on key aspects of gingival health.