What is gingival hyperplasia?
Gingival hyperplasia is a term used to describe the abnormal growth of excessive gum tissue. Gingival hyperplasia is caused by an increase in the number of cells within the gums. The cells typically remain normal.
In chronic or severe cases, however, inflammation and its secondary effects (mineral or calcium deposition) may be observed. The gum tissue can start to grow over the teeth, forming pockets where plaque and debris can accumulate, leading to infection.
Gingival hyperplasia is most observed in boxer dogs. Other predisposed breeds include bulldogs and, less commonly, cocker spaniels.
What causes gingival hyperplasia?
The underlying cause of most gingival hyperplasia is not fully understood. Veterinarians suspect that there is a genetic component to gingival hyperplasia, causing some dogs to respond to inflammation and the presence of bacteria by increasing the amount of gum tissue. Most animals respond to periodontal disease with receding gums; however, dogs with gingival hyperplasia have gum tissue that proliferates in response to inflammation.
Less commonly, gingival hyperplasia may be triggered by the use of certain drugs. The drug most frequently associated with gingival hyperplasia in veterinary patients is cyclosporine (Atopica®). Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug that is used to manage allergic and autoimmune diseases. Gingival hyperplasia may also be associated with the use of calcium channel blockers (used to treat cardiovascular disease) and phenytoin derivatives (used to control seizures), though these medications are used far less frequently than cyclosporine in veterinary patients.
What are the clinical signs of gingival hyperplasia?
Gingival hyperplasia typically appears as a firm swelling of the gums. This swelling is often generalized, affecting all the visible gum tissue in the mouth. The gums may appear reddened or inflamed and may become so enlarged that it is difficult to see the teeth. In some cases, gingival hyperplasia may be localized to specific areas, and it may look like a mass or tumor.
How is gingival hyperplasia diagnosed?
Gingival hyperplasia is often suspected based on clinical appearance, but a biopsy may be recommended to obtain an accurate diagnosis. This biopsy will allow your veterinarian to rule out oral cancer and other conditions that have a similar clinical appearance to gingival hyperplasia, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
How is gingival hyperplasia treated?
Gingival hyperplasia is usually treated by surgically removing the excessive proliferative tissue (gingivoplasty). This procedure is done under general anesthesia, often in conjunction with a thorough dental cleaning. Your veterinarian will remove excessive gingival tissue, restoring the normal gumline and eliminating deep pockets that trap food and debris.
By decreasing infection and inflammation in the mouth, gingivoplasty improves the appearance of the mouth while also alleviating discomfort and slowing the further progression of the condition. Gingivoplasty results in a significant improvement in clinical signs, but it does not typically cure the condition. The gum tissue will continue to increase over time, in predisposed dogs, and repeated surgeries are often required.
If gingival hyperplasia is associated with medications, discontinuing the use of the medication often results in the gums returning to normal.
What care will my dog require after gingivoplasty?
After gingivoplasty, your veterinarian will prescribe medications to control your dog’s pain and discomfort. These medications should be given as directed and may be continued for several days after the operation. Your dog will also require a soft diet (canned food) for approximately two weeks after surgery, as hard food can damage the healing gum tissue and slow healing. It is important to allow this time for the gum tissue to heal. During this time, hard treats and toys should also be avoided.
After about two weeks, dry food and treats can be resumed, and you may also begin brushing your dog’s teeth or providing other dental care as recommended by your veterinarian. Daily dental hygiene care will slow the recurrence of bacteria and plaque, potentially slowing the recurrence of gingival hyperplasia.
