Poor oral hygiene enhances gingival overgrowth caused by calcineurin inhibitors.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of gingival overgrowth in kidney allograft recipients in southern Switzerland and to determine the factors associated with it. We hypothesized that poor oral hygiene was a risk factor.


METHODS
We assessed the level of oral hygiene among renal transplant patients and determined whether a good level of information and regular dental checkups in addition to good oral hygiene could prevent gingival hyperplasia. Seventy-six adults who had undergone kidney transplantation were examined. The level of oral hygiene, gender, age, time elapsed from transplantation, medication and dose were recorded.


RESULTS
In general the level of oral hygiene was average. We found a significant association between the severity of gingival overgrowth and the level of oral hygiene. No statistical relationship between gingival hyperplasia and the other recorded variables was detected. Patients on tacrolimus had a tendency to have less gingival hyperplasia. Patient education, along with regular dental checkups and a good level of oral hygiene, should prevent gingival hyperplasia or maintain it at an acceptable level.


CONCLUSIONS
Intensive motivation of patients to maintain good oral hygiene is necessary to reduce the incidence of gingival hyperplasia.
Reali
L
L
Department of Maslicalory Disorders and Removable Prosthodontics, Dental School University of Zürich, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Zuliani
E
E
Gabutti
L
L
Schönholzer
C
C
Marone
Claudio
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005885:Gingival Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D016559:Tacrolimus