Management of gingival enlargement by medical & non surgical dental therapy in a cerebral palsy patient - A case report

Abstract

Gingival enlargement develops as an exaggerated response of periodontal tissues to local factors like dental plaque and dental calculus. Systemic conditions like cerebral palsy, where mental deficiency and loss of manual dexterity is a contributing factor for poor oral hygiene, sometime manifest as gingival enlargement. Nutritional deficiency in combination to systemic disease and conditions, further contributes to an altered response of periodontal tissues to dental plaque and calculus, which may sometimes clinically manifest as gingival enlargement (generalized or localized). Vitamin C deficiency presents with various oral manifestations, specially causing conditioned gingival enlargement. Anemia is also one of the systemic disease/conditions affecting periodontal tissues. Management of these various conditions manifesting as gingival enlargement, warrants diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. It becomes more challenging when all these conditions co-exist, demanding a holistic comprehensive approach, not only for addressing the patient’s chief complaint, but also, improving the overall oral and general health as well. This case report is an attempt to discuss the management of an unusual case of massive gingival enlargement mainly due to vitamin C deficiency in an anemic cerebral palsy pediatric patient. Keywords: Anemia, Ascorbic acid deficiency, Cerebral palsy, Gingival overgrowth. Key Messages: Maintenance of proper oral hygiene and nutritional supplementation is essential for overall health of cerebral palsy patient