Which practice helps prevent gingival hyperplasia in patients taking Dilantin?

Which practice helps prevent gingival hyperplasia in patients taking Dilantin?

• A. Regular Brushing and Flossing
• B. Avoid Brushing Teeth
• C. Rinsing Only With Water
• D. Chewing Gum After Dosing

Answer: (A)

Gingival hyperplasia from phenytoin (Dilantin) is helped by keeping the gums clean and free of plaque. Phenytoin can cause gums to enlarge because it stimulates gum fibroblasts to produce more connective tissue, and this effect is worsened when gums are inflamed. Regular brushing and flossing reduces dental plaque and gum inflammation, lowering the stimulus for overgrowth and helping prevent the condition. Not brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up and inflame the gums, which can accelerate hyperplasia. Rinsing with water alone doesn’t remove plaque effectively. Chewing gum after dosing might increase saliva but isn’t a reliable substitute for brushing and flossing and doesn’t prevent the tissue changes caused by the drug.

Gingival hyperplasia from phenytoin (Dilantin) is helped by keeping the gums clean and free of plaque. Phenytoin can cause gums to enlarge because it stimulates gum fibroblasts to produce more connective tissue, and this effect is worsened when gums are inflamed. Regular brushing and flossing reduces dental plaque and gum inflammation, lowering the stimulus for overgrowth and helping prevent the condition.

Not brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up and inflame the gums, which can accelerate hyperplasia. Rinsing with water alone doesn’t remove plaque effectively. Chewing gum after dosing might increase saliva but isn’t a reliable substitute for brushing and flossing and doesn’t prevent the tissue changes caused by the drug.