Gingival Hyperplasia

Gingival hyperplasia is another term for gum overgrowth. Some people are naturally prone to developing extra gum tissue. But it often happens when your gum tissue gets inflamed.

Inflammation can occur because of hormonal changes, orthodontic treatment, certain diseases, some medications or poor oral hygiene. As a result, your gums might look puffy, and your teeth might appear smaller than usual.

Gingival enlargement affects the appearance of your teeth, but it can also have a negative impact on your oral health. Treatment can get rid of excess gum tissue, reduce your risk for oral health issues and bring symmetry back to your smile.

In many cases, improving your oral hygiene can reverse gingival hyperplasia. In severe cases, you might need a periodontal procedure to get rid of excess gum tissue.

Other names for gingival hyperplasia include:

• Gingival/gum enlargement
• Gingival/gum hyperplasia
• Gingival/gum overgrowth
• Hyperplasia of gingiva

Symptoms of gingival hyperplasia

Gingival hyperplasia symptoms might include:

• Bleeding gums
• Sore or tender gums
• Swollen gums

Gingival hyperplasia causes

Causes of gingival enlargement include:

• Periodontal disease. If plaque stays on your teeth for too long, your gums can swell in response.
• Genetics. Some genetic conditions, like hereditary gingival fibromatosis, make you more prone to gum overgrowth.
• Orthodontic treatment. Braces or Invisalign® can increase your risk of developing gingival hyperplasia.
• Hormonal imbalance. Hormone changes that happen during puberty, pregnancy or menopause can increase your risk for tender, swollen gums.
• Medications. Certain drugs — especially immunosuppressants, antiseizure medications and calcium channel blockers — can make gingival hyperplasia more likely.
• Tooth position. For instance, if a tooth is angled toward your gum line, there’s a higher chance that gum tissue could grow over it.
• Oral surgery. In some cases, wisdom tooth removal can cause excess gum tissue to grow over the molar next to the extraction site.

How to lower your risk

Regular brushing and flossing can reduce the risk of gum hyperplasia. But if you’re genetically prone to the condition, good oral hygiene may not be enough to prevent it. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to lower your risk.

Complications of gingival hyperplasia

Untreated gingival hyperplasia can lead to complications like:

• Cavities
• Cosmetic concerns (like a gummy smile)
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss

How doctors diagnose gingival hyperplasia

A healthcare provider (usually a dentist or periodontist) diagnoses gingival hyperplasia during a dental appointment. They’ll review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. Your provider may do one or more of the following:

• Dental exam. They’ll check your teeth and look for signs of plaque buildup near your gum line.
• Dental X-rays. These images help your provider check the health of your teeth roots, jawbone and other supporting structures.
• Periodontal charting. Your provider may use a tiny instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the pockets around your teeth. This tells them how swollen your gums are and whether you have bone loss.
• Tissue biopsy. Your provider may take a small sample of your gum tissue and send it to a pathologist for testing. They might do this to rule out other conditions.

How is gingival hyperplasia treated?

Gingival hyperplasia treatment depends on the cause. From least to most invasive, these treatments may include:

• Improved oral hygiene. In many instances, better brushing and flossing is enough to reverse gum overgrowth.
• Dental cleaning. Routine cleanings with a hygienist remove plaque and tartar buildup. This helps get rid of tender, swollen gums.
• Scaling and root planing. This procedure reaches deeper under your gums compared to a routine dental cleaning. It allows your provider to sweep away harmful bacteria hidden around your tooth roots.
• Gingivectomy. Your provider may need to surgically remove excess gum tissue. A gingivectomy can make your teeth easier to clean and enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Laser gum therapy. A healthcare provider uses a handheld laser to remove excess gum tissue. A laser can also cauterize (seal) tissue to stop bleeding.
• Pocket reduction surgery. When gum overgrowth is a symptom of periodontitis, you might need oral surgery to remove diseased tissue and clean around the roots of your teeth.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

More frequent brushing and flossing may be all you need in some cases. But if you develop puffy, swollen gums that don’t go away, let your healthcare provider know. They can do an evaluation and may refer you to a periodontist.

Can this be prevented?

You may be able to prevent gingival hyperplasia by following these guidelines:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss between your teeth once daily. Ask your dentist for product recommendations.
• Rinse your mouth twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Visit your dentist and periodontist regularly for exams and cleanings.

What can I expect if I have gingival hyperplasia?

The outlook for gum overgrowth is usually positive with treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment could be as simple as ramping up your oral hygiene. If you’re taking medications that can contribute to gum hyperplasia, you and your dentist might need to ask your provider about switching drugs or dosages. In severe cases, you might need periodontal surgery to remove excess gum tissue.

How successful is treatment?

Overall treatment success depends on the severity of your condition and whether you can find and address the cause. Most people who get gingival hyperplasia treatment experience positive results.