Regression of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth after withdrawal of medication

Swed Dent J. 1991;15(3):139-43.

Abstract

The regression of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth after withdrawal of medication was studied in 10 children. After only one month a statistically significant (p less than 0.05) in buccolingual dimension of the marginal gingiva was observed in both the maxillary and mandibular incisor areas. Children diagnosed as responders (i.e. exhibiting pseudopockets) showed a more rapid and significantly greater decrease (p less than 0.05) in buccolingual dimension at 1 and 3 months after withdrawal of PHT medication than non-responders. Compared to a control group of children on other antiepileptic drugs, no significant differences could be found in the thickness of the marginal gingiva six months after withdrawal of medication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Gingival Hyperplasia / chemically induced
  • Gingival Hyperplasia / pathology*
  • Gingival Pocket / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Periodontal Index
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Phenytoin