International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences

CASE REPORT
Year
: 2013  |  Volume : 2  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 126--129

Management of phenytoin induced gingival enlargement associated with cerebral palsy: A challenge to the clinician


Anupama Shriram Rao1, Amit K Walvekar2, Subramaniam M Rao3, Biju Thomas4 
1 Department of Periodontics, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Periodontics, Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Virajpet, Coorg, Karnataka, India
3 Department of Periodontics, PMNM Dental College and Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
4 Department of Periodontics, A.B. Shetty Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Correspondence Address:
Anupama Shriram Rao
Department of Periodontics, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Deralakatte, Mangalore - 575 018, Karnataka
India

Phenytoin, which is the drug of choice for treatment of grandmal, psychomotor seizures associated with cerebral palsy, has serious side effect like gingival enlargement. Drug induced gingival enlargement is not only esthetically disfiguring but often impairs speech, mastication, nutrition and plaque control measures. In addition, poor oral hygiene, lack of motor coordination and muscular limitations in mentally disabled individuals results in increased susceptibility to periodontal disease. The present case report unfolds a complex nature of the management of phenytoin induced gingival enlargement, secondarily complicated by inflammation, and in the cerebral palsy patient. A supportive team work of periodontist, neurophysician, and general anesthetist plays a significant role in maintaining the quality of life in mentally disabled patient.


How to cite this article:
Rao AS, Walvekar AK, Rao SM, Thomas B. Management of phenytoin induced gingival enlargement associated with cerebral palsy: A challenge to the clinician.Int J Health Allied Sci 2013;2:126-129


How to cite this URL:
Rao AS, Walvekar AK, Rao SM, Thomas B. Management of phenytoin induced gingival enlargement associated with cerebral palsy: A challenge to the clinician. Int J Health Allied Sci [serial online] 2013 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];2:126-129
Available from: https://www.ijhas.in/article.asp?issn=2278-344X;year=2013;volume=2;issue=2;spage=126;epage=129;aulast=Rao;type=0