Proper oral health can protect from developing gingival hyperplasia induced by calcium channel blockers

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases including hypertension affect 40% of the adult population in Hungary. Calcium channel blockers are frequently prescribed for the treatment of hypertension either in monotherapy or in fixed-combination therapy. Their main effect is vasodilatation with gingival hyperplasia as a side effect. Our aim is to draw our colleagues' attention to the practical importance of the fact that calcium channel blocker-induced gingival hyperplasia correlates closely with the dental status and the quantity of plaque on the surface of teeth and dental implants. Once established, gingival hyperplasia makes it more difficult for the patient to maintain individual tooth cleaning and increases plaque formation. Thus proliferation of Gram-negative bacteria is enabled in the plaque which promotes gingival overgrowth and can pose a risk factor for further cardiovascular diseases. If proper individual oral hygiene and professional interventions are carried out, healthy and hyperplasia-free gingival state can be sustained in the long term in most cases, even with calcium channel blocker therapy. In order to protect patients' oral health, a closer cooperation of internists and dentists would be desirable. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(29): 1183-1187.