What is Gingival Hyperplasia?

When something’s off with our smiles, we typically tend to notice. If you begin to notice your gums are puffy or appear to have a protruding bump, it may represent gingival hyperplasia. Gingival hyperplasia is an excess of gum tissue, also called gingiva and can have several potential underlying causes, which we will discuss in detail.

Symptoms and Signs

Tender Gums

Your gums may be tender when touching them. Sore or tender gums can indicate gingival hyperplasia, gum disease, or other oral problems.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a common sign of inflammation. This often occurs when dental plaque is not removed from the surfaces of teeth and underneath the gumline.

Inflammation

Gingival hyperplasia can occur due to inflammation. Inflammation is often triggered by bacterial plaque buildup, commonly from poor hygiene practices.

Pain and Discomfort In and Around Gums

Inflammation of the gums can result in an uncomfortable feeling in your mouth. Your gums may be tender and sensitive to touch.

Infection and Pus Formation

Gingival hyperplasia could be a result of an oral bacterial infection. Pus is a sign of infection and should be treated immediately.

Bad Breath

Oral bacteria tend to produce smelly byproducts that lead to bad breath. Gingival hyperplasia is often caused by an accumulation of oral bacteria that produce unwanted smells.

Plaque Buildup on Teeth

Plaque buildup can cause bacteria to aggravate your gums and cause many serious health consequences. When plaque is not removed from underneath the gumline, the bacteria can trigger an inflammatory response that leads to gingival hyperplasia.

Causes

Oral Bacteria Can Cause Gingival Enlargement

One of the main causes of gingival enlargement is oral bacteria. Oral bacteria feed off our consumed foods and produce acids that trigger inflammation. The inflammation can make the gums tender, red, swollen, and more susceptible to bleeding.

Drugs Can Cause Gingival Hyperplasia

Certain medications can cause gingival hyperplasia as a side effect. Drugs found to cause gingival hyperplasia commonly include anticonvulsant drugs for seizure conditions, immunosuppressant drugs, and calcium channel blocker drugs to treat high blood pressure. If you are experiencing gingival hyperplasia and suspect it may be caused by a medication you are taking, speak with your dental and medical professionals.

Systemic Causes of Gingival Enlargement

Some systemic conditions can cause gingival hyperplasia, including diabetes, anemia, leukemia, HIV, Crohn’s disease, vitamin deficiencies, and conditions triggering hormonal imbalances.

Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare oral condition characterized by gingival overgrowth. In some cases, the excess gums may need to be surgically removed.

Gingival Hyperplasia Treatment and Care

The treatment of gingival hyperplasia can vary for different individuals. Depending on the extent of the gingival hyperplasia and the determined underlying cause, your dental professional will give you the proper treatment plan and instructions to ensure the health of your smile. Common procedures to remove the excess gum tissue include a gingivectomy and dental cleanings. Sometimes, your medical professional may evaluate your medicines and prescribe an alternate medication to address the issue.

No matter what, the best continuous care is to practice good oral hygiene to avoid developing other dental problems. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouth rinse is also beneficial in helping to reduce gingival enlargement. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly to help address oral issues like gingival hyperplasia and prevent other dental or medical problems.