The term refers to an overgrowth of the gum tissue that can make teeth look shorter and the mouth feel crowded. This condition matters because it affects comfort, chewing and daily oral hygiene.
Signs range from mild cosmetic gingival enlargement to more significant overgrowth that traps plaque, causes bleeding and raises the risk of infection. Causes often include poor brushing with plaque build-up or certain medications; treatment can be as simple as improved cleaning or, in persistent cases, surgical removal of excess tissue.
The guide helps readers recognise symptoms early, understand likely causes and learn typical management steps used in UK dental practice. It explains hygiene-led care for inflammatory cases, medication review for drug-related causes, and when referral for specialist procedures is needed.
Not contagious, the condition can sometimes signal wider health issues, so assessment is important. If swelling, bleeding, pain or progressive overgrowth occur, booking a dentist appointment is advised. For more on related gum disease risks and checks, see common signs and assessment advice.
Key Takeaways
- The condition is gum overgrowth that may be cosmetic or disruptive.
- Early recognition and improved oral hygiene often reduce inflammation.
- Certain medicines can cause enlargement; a review may help.
- Persistent overgrowth may need specialist surgical care.
- Not contagious, but assessment is needed to rule out systemic links.
- See a dentist if swelling, bleeding or pain develops.
Understanding gum overgrowth and why it matters for oral health
What this condition is called
Names you may see
Gingival enlargement is often written as gingival hyperplasia or hypertrophy. Patient information may also say “gum overgrowth” to make the idea clearer.
What happens at the gum line
The soft tissue increases in volume around a tooth, creating deeper pockets and sheltered zones. These areas let plaque build up more easily.
Why cleaning and disease risk change
When gums overgrow, brushing and flossing become less effective. Plaque retention then raises the risk of periodontal disease and persistent inflammation.
Mild versus severe cases and effects on teeth
Mild cases often show as slight puffiness at the margin. Severe cases may cover large parts of the crown, making teeth appear smaller and brushing very difficult.
Overgrowth can be localised to one area or generalised across many teeth. In young patients, it can also affect tooth eruption and alignment.
- Key point: recognising appearance and cleaning problems is the first step to managing risk.
| Presentation | Typical signs | Effect on teeth | Care priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | Marginal puffiness, slight bleeding | Minimal cosmetic change | Improve hygiene, monitor |
| Moderate | Thicker tissue, plaque pockets | Teeth look shorter, cleaning harder | Professional clean, hygiene coaching |
| Severe cases | Tissue covering crowns, eruption issues | Significant aesthetic and alignment impact | Specialist assessment; possible surgical care |
Symptoms to spot early and when to book a dentist appointment
Many people first notice subtle changes at the gum line, such as redness or slight bleeding when they brush. Spotting these signs early helps prevent more serious problems and makes treatment simpler.
Common signs to watch for
- Bleeding — especially during brushing or flossing.
- Redness and tenderness around teeth, with pain on touch or when eating.
- Inflammation that causes puffiness and soreness, making oral hygiene uncomfortable.
Less obvious clues
Quiet indicators include persistent bad breath and visible plaque build-up. These often point to areas that have become harder to clean because the gums have changed shape.
Warning signs that need prompt attention
- Progressive enlargement that starts to cover parts of the teeth or traps food.
- New gaps where food packs, repeated irritation or increasing pain.
- Delayed eruption or altered tooth alignment in younger patients.
When to book an appointment: ongoing bleeding, progressive enlargement, persistent pain, or any change that interferes with cleaning or chewing. Early dental review and better hygiene often reverse inflammatory changes and reduce long-term risk — for more on related risks see risks of untreated gum disease.
Causes of Gingival hyperplasia and who is at risk
A clear framework helps patients understand why dentists ask about cleaning habits, medicines and general health. Causes fall into four groups: inflammatory, medication-induced, systemic or physiological, and hereditary.
Inflammatory enlargement and plaque
Inflammation is often driven by plaque and poor oral hygiene. The tissue becomes soft, red and tender and bleeds easily.
Improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning commonly reduce this type of enlargement.
Medication-induced overgrowth
Certain drugs cause firm, pale pink overgrowth that is less tender but still traps plaque. This makes cleaning harder and raises the risk of disease.
Common implicated medicines include antiseizure drugs (phenytoin) and immunosuppressants (cyclosporine).
Channel blockers in cardiovascular care
Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, amlodipine and verapamil are known causes. Reported prevalence varies; nifedipine shows a higher risk in many studies.
Why recurrence happens
If a necessary drug cannot be stopped, overgrowth may recur even after surgery. Good plaque control still reduces severity and helps long‑term outcomes.
Systemic triggers and pregnancy
Hormonal changes in pregnancy and other imbalances can produce enlargement for the short term. Blood disorders such as leukaemia are red flags needing prompt assessment.
Hereditary fibromatosis
Hereditary gingival fibromatosis is rare and often starts in childhood. It tends to be slow‑growing, firm and may require repeated surgical care to prevent tooth impaction.
For more on related gum disease risks and checks see what is periodontal disease.
How gingival enlargement is diagnosed in dental practice
A careful review of history and a mouth exam usually explains why the gums have changed. Most cases are identified at a routine check or when a patient notices swelling or bleeding.
Medical history and oral examination
The dentist will ask about general health, current medicines and when symptoms began. This helps spot drug-related causes and timing links to new treatments.
Next comes a focused intra‑oral exam. The clinician inspects the soft tissue around the teeth, noting colour, firmness and where the overgrowth sits. Inflamed, tender, bleeding gums often indicate plaque-driven inflammation. Firm, pale pink tissue suggests drug‑related change.
Assessing severity and documenting baseline
The team records whether enlargement is localised or generalised and how it affects cleaning, eruption or alignment. They may take photos, measure pocket depths and use periodontal checks to track progress.
| Step | What happens | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| History review | Discuss health, recent drugs and symptom timing | Identify likely causes and medication links |
| Oral exam | Inspect tissue around teeth; note colour and texture | Differentiate inflammatory vs medication-related signs |
| Documentation | Photos, pocket charting, measurements | Establish baseline and monitor response to care |
When further tests are needed
Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Blood tests are requested if systemic illness is suspected, to support wider health assessment. A biopsy is rare but considered if the presentation is unusual or fails to respond to standard care.
Overall, the structured approach lets the dental team form a safe, targeted plan that often starts with improved cleaning and medication review before more invasive steps are considered.
How to manage gingival hyperplasia: hygiene, treatment, and long-term care
Managing excess gum tissue focuses first on simple steps patients can use daily to reduce swelling and protect teeth.
Daily oral hygiene that helps
Consistent brushing along the gum line twice a day removes food and debris. Use a soft brush and gentle circular strokes to avoid trauma.
Interdental cleaning with floss or interdental brushes once daily reaches areas a toothbrush misses. These steps reduce inflammation and make other treatment more effective.
Professional cleaning and coaching
Regular scale and polish appointments remove hardened deposits and irritants. Dental teams provide tailored coaching on technique and tools to improve long‑term hygiene.
Medication review and medical input
When enlargement links to a medicine, clinicians discuss substitution or dose change with the GP or specialist. Patients must never stop prescribed drugs without medical advice.
Surgical options and when they are needed
Surgery is considered for persistent, fibrotic or function‑limiting overgrowth. Options include gingivectomy, periodontal flap surgery, laser excision and electrosurgery.
| Stage | Action | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Home care | Brushing, flossing, improved hygiene | Reduce inflammation in weeks for mild cases |
| Professional care | Scaling, tailored coaching, review of medicines | Better access for cleaning; slower improvement if fibrotic |
| Surgical care | Gingivectomy, flap, laser or electrosurgery | Reshape tissue; risk of recurrence if trigger remains |
Aftercare and long‑term follow up
Post‑op instructions protect healing tissue. Ongoing maintenance visits and meticulous cleaning help detect early recurrence and preserve oral health.
Conclusion
Timely assessment and a clear plan can turn a worrying gum enlargement into a manageable problem.
Recognise symptoms early, arrange a dental assessment, then improve daily oral hygiene to reduce inflammation and plaque. Where medicine or systemic causes apply, a tailored treatment and ongoing review form the next step.
Some forms, including medication‑related or hereditary changes, may persist or recur despite surgery. Long‑term maintenance and regular checks help protect teeth and support stability.
If swelling, increasing size, bleeding, pain or difficulty cleaning develops, seek professional evaluation promptly. For related preventive advice on early gum disease see early gingivitis advice.
