A Clinical Evaluation of Gingival Overgrowth in Children on Antiepileptic Drug Therapy
Introduction: Gingival overgrowth, a well-known side effect of chronic phenytoin therapy has also been known to be caused by other anti epileptic drugs (AED’s). Various factors like plaque, gingival inflammation, and periodontal health have been postulated to effect gingival overgrowth. Aim: To...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2016-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/7069/16443_CE[Ra]_F(Sh)_PF1(VSUAK)_PFA(AK)_PF2(PAG).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Gingival overgrowth, a well-known side effect of
chronic phenytoin therapy has also been known to be caused
by other anti epileptic drugs (AED’s). Various factors like plaque,
gingival inflammation, and periodontal health have been
postulated to effect gingival overgrowth.
Aim: To identify the AED having an effect on gingival overgrowth
and to study the factors affecting it.
Materials and Methods: Three groups of 30 children
each on monotherapy of phenytoin, sodium valproate, and
carbamazepine were longitudinally followed for six months.
Their oral and epileptic health status was assessed and were
monitored for change in plaque levels, gingival inflammation,
probing depth and the status of gingival overgrowth at baseline,
at the end of 3 months and finally at the end of 6 months. The
data was recorded and statistically analysed.
Results: Phenytoin caused gingival overgrowth in a significant
number of children (53.6%) within 3 months. Sodium valproate
also led to gingival overgrowth, but not upto statistically
significant levels. Patients on carbamazepine did not show any
signs of gingival overgrowth. Gingival overgrowth is seen more
on buccal side, in the anterior segment and in the lower arch.
No correlation could be found between, either plaque level, or
gingival inflammation with gingival overgrowth. Probing depth
could be positively correlated with gingival overgrowth.
Conclusion: Phenytoin is the drug, which can be chiefly
implicated for causing gingival overgrowth. Sodium valproate
carries the potential for gingival overgrowth, although only up
to clinically insignificant levels in 6 months. Carbamazepine
can be considered a safe drug in children in relation to gingival
overgrowth. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |