Which of the following is NOT a cause of gingival hyperplasia?

Which of the following is NOT a cause of gingival hyperplasia?

• A. Corticosteroids
• B. Cyclosporine
• C. Calcium Channel Blockers
• D. Anticonvulsants (Dilantin)

Answer: (A)

The correct choice reflects an understanding of the pharmacological agents that are known to cause gingival hyperplasia. Corticosteroids are not typically associated with gingival hyperplasia. Instead, they are anti-inflammatory medications that can help manage conditions that might lead to tissue inflammation in the gums, but they do not cause an overgrowth of gum tissue. In contrast, cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers, and anticonvulsants such as Dilantin (phenytoin) are well-documented to cause gingival hyperplasia as a side effect. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant often used in transplant patients, which can lead to significant gum overgrowth. Calcium channel blockers are prescribed for hypertension and cardiac conditions and frequently lead to gingival overgrowth as a result of their effects on the gingival connective tissue. Anticonvulsants like Dilantin are also recognized for their side effects, including gingival hyperplasia, particularly in patients who are on long-term therapy. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for dental practitioners in managing and anticipating the oral health implications of medications their patients may be taking.

The correct choice reflects an understanding of the pharmacological agents that are known to cause gingival hyperplasia. Corticosteroids are not typically associated with gingival hyperplasia. Instead, they are anti-inflammatory medications that can help manage conditions that might lead to tissue inflammation in the gums, but they do not cause an overgrowth of gum tissue.

In contrast, cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers, and anticonvulsants such as Dilantin (phenytoin) are well-documented to cause gingival hyperplasia as a side effect. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant often used in transplant patients, which can lead to significant gum overgrowth. Calcium channel blockers are prescribed for hypertension and cardiac conditions and frequently lead to gingival overgrowth as a result of their effects on the gingival connective tissue. Anticonvulsants like Dilantin are also recognized for their side effects, including gingival hyperplasia, particularly in patients who are on long-term therapy.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for dental practitioners in managing and anticipating the oral health implications of medications their patients may be taking.