My gums are swolen and i am on Phenytoin for Epilepsy

Q. Good Evening, Being on medication for Epilepsy for years my teeth and gums are not in very good shape. I have had no seizures for 2 years and i am currently still taking Phenytoin 100mg once a day. My gums are inflammed, teeth pushed forward which can sometimes hurt when brushing. I understand the medication has done this, and know i am at an age and in a professional position i would like to know if i can improve my smile and boost my confidence more. Is there any advice you can share with me? I am also not a very comfortable person when it comes to dentistry too. Many Thanks

A.

Phenytoin is one of a few drugs that cause gums to respond to plaque by producing a tough swollen tissue. The crucial factor is that it is an exagerrated reaction. No plaque, no response to exagerate. Really excellent brushing, regular dental hygeine visits and high volume irrigation ( waterpik type devices ) with 0.02% chlorhexidine ( normal mouthwash strength diluted 1:10 with water.

Sorry you dont like dentists, little and often does seem easier for “reluctant ” patients

Regards

Dr Rob Tennet

Dr Rob Tennet
St Johns Dental Practice
www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk
Tel: 0121 643 0610
18 Bennett’s Hill
Birmingham B2 5QJ

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Tags: gum disease, gum grafting, gum loss

This post was published on Thursday, September 25th, 2008 at 11:05 amand is filed under Dr Tennet's Answers, Experts Answers, Q. gums. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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