Assessment of effects of duration and dosage of Amlodipine on gingival health - A Prospective Study

Objectives: Calcium channel blockers are one of the most commonly used drugs for the management of cardiovascular disorders and are known for causing gingival overgrowth as an adverse effect. Disfiguring gingival overgrowth triggered by this medication is not only esthetically displeasing but also often impairs nutrition and access to oral hygiene, resulting in increased susceptibility to oral infection, caries, and periodontal diseases. The present study aimed to correlate the incidence of the extent of gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients receiving amlodipine and also a correlation of the extent of gingival enlargement with the dosage and duration of intake of Amlodipine. Materials and Methods: Hypertensive patients attending the outpatient of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology were selected for the study. A detailed history of the subjects was recorded for single or multiple drug usage, including the intake of amlodipine medications for hypertension, the dose and duration of the drug usage, following which a clinical examination was performed to evaluate the grades of gingival enlargement and local factors affecting the same. Results: The majority of the patients (81%) received 5 mg of amlodipine medication, and more than 40% of patients were receiving amlodipine for more than one year. More than 50% of patients had grade 2 gingival enlargement. There was a significant correlation between gingival enlargement and amlodipine dosage. Also noted was an association between gingival enlargement and duration of receiving amlodipine. Conclusion: Even with a minimal dose of amlodipine, significant gingival enlargement is seen; hence, regular follow-up with a suitable dental evaluation referral for examining gingival and periodontal status becomes imminent. Therefore, dental professionals need to identify and then guide the patient to seek the necessary medical intervention for the same.