skip to main content

Medication-induced gingival enlargement — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardOral PathologyMedication-induced gingival enlargementNDEB AFK

A 55-year-old kidney transplant recipient has generalised fibrotic gingival enlargement, especially around anterior teeth. Plaque control is fair. Medications include cyclosporine, amlodipine, and prednisone. What is the most likely cause/mechanism?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Drug-influenced gingival fibroblast response

Cyclosporine and calcium-channel blockers such as amlodipine are associated with gingival enlargement through altered fibroblast activity, worsened by plaque inflammation. Primary herpetic infection would present with acute painful vesicles or ulcers rather than fibrotic enlargement. The pearl is to improve plaque control and liaise with the physician if medication substitution is clinically feasible.

Reference: Canadian periodontal/oral medicine references; NDEB KSAs 2024