Gingival Overgrowth: Drug-induced versus Hereditary and Idiopathic

Abstract

Gingival overgrowth (GO) is the abnormal enlargement of maxillary and mandibular gingiva. It can be caused due to different etiological factors inherited (hereditary) gingival fibromatosis (HGF), accompanied with diseases characterizing syndrome; idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF) or as a side effect of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) known as drug-induced gingival fibromatosis (DIGF). The hypertrophic gingiva is also accompanied with variable growth factors expression at cellular and molecular levels. It is well observed in fibroblasts activity and production of collagenous fibers in connective tissues as well as their degradation. Thus, it would be useful to identify and explore different factors related to gingival growth changes to help in treatment plans. This review article will throw the light on systemic, pathological, histological and immuniohistochemical aspects associated with both HGF and DIGF.