Awareness of gingival enlargement and pattern of dental care utilization amongst hypertensive patients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: Some antihypertensive drugs have been implicated in drug-induced gingival enlargement (DIGE), however, there is paucity in the literature on the level of awareness of DIGE among these patients. Hence, this study aims to assess the awareness, prevalence of DIGE, and the impact of dental care service (scaling and polishing) on the prevalence of DIGE among hypertensive patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hypertensive patients attending the Cardiology Outpatient Clinic at UPTH. Participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires, medical records and clinical oral examinations. Information on demographic variables, duration of antihypertensive medication use and dental care service utilization were also recorded. Data was analysed with significance set at p<0.05. Results: There were one hundred and fifty (150) respondents; 64 males and 86 females, with an M: F of 1:1.25. The prevalence of gingival enlargement was 29.3%, with higher prevalence in patients on calcium channel blockers (Amlodipine) in combination with Angiotensin II receptor blocker (Telmisartan). None of the subjects was aware of gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients. Level of education, type of antihypertensive medications and no scaling & polishing were significantly associated with increased prevalence of gingival enlargement (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The prevalence of drug-induced gingival enlargement among the participants was 29.3%, with grade I (interdental) gingival enlargement being more common and among subjects on long-term use of CCBs in combination with ARBs. All subjects were unaware of drug-induced gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients. There was a negative association between oral hygiene status and drug-induced gingival enlargement.