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What is it called when gums grow over teeth?

Published in Gum Condition 2 mins read

When gum tissue overgrows and covers all or part of the crown of the tooth, it is called gingival hyperplasia.

Understanding Gingival Hyperplasia

Gingival hyperplasia is a condition characterized by the enlargement or overgrowth of the gum tissue around the teeth. This can lead to the gums appearing bulky and potentially covering the surfaces of the teeth.

Causes of Gingival Hyperplasia

According to the provided reference, several factors can contribute to this gum overgrowth:

  • Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals, and even certain animal breeds, may be genetically more likely to develop gingival hyperplasia. For instance, the reference specifically notes that Boxers are over-represented, meaning this breed has a higher incidence of the condition due to genetics.
  • Medications: Certain classes of medications are known side effects that can trigger gingival hyperplasia. These can include some drugs used for conditions like epilepsy, heart issues, or those used after organ transplants.
  • Note: While the reference focuses on genetics and medication, other factors like inflammation from poor oral hygiene can also contribute in some cases, though the provided text primarily highlights these two causes.

What It Looks Like

In gingival hyperplasia, the gum tissue becomes enlarged. This can range from mild swelling around the gum line to significant overgrowth that covers the entire tooth crown, as mentioned in the reference.

Key Term Explained

Here's a simple breakdown of the term:

Term Meaning
Gingival Relating to the gums
Hyperplasia Increase in the volume of an organ or tissue due to the multiplication of cells

In essence, gingival hyperplasia means an overgrowth of gum tissue.