Disability Associated with Gingival Hyperplasia

 

Patient selection: gingival hyperplasia/enlargement

 

Domains for possible impairment:

(1) facial appearance, especially if unable to close the lips

(2) speech

(3) ability to chew and swallow food

(4) oral hygiene and control of saliva

(5) pain and discomfort

Impairment	Points
none (normal)	0
minimal	1
mild	2
moderate	3
severe	4
extreme	5

 

where:

• Some problems arise because of the tongue being crowded.

• The teeth may be displaced or crowded, resulting in malocclusion.

• Poor oral hygiene can result in bad breath, loss of teeth and serious infections.

 

A patient with severe gingival hyperplasia may have significant impairment in most or all of these domains. This can result in:

(1) social isolation

(2) problems at work or school

(3) intimate relationships