Gingival tissue is the soft tissue that covers the alveolar bone of the jaws and the teeth. It is the same as gingiva; which is the same as gums.

See? Trouble already. It didn’t have to be gingival; it could have just been gummy.

Put the prefix ‘hyper’ anywhere and you know it’s not going to be good. Hyperflexibility, hyperelasticitity, hyperactivity, hyperacuity, hypertension, hyperbole … there’s a million reasons to feel tense about any one of those and the zillions that weren’t even mentioned.

The Ancient Greeks gave us ‘plasis’ for moulding or formation. Modern Latin changed that to ‘plasia’ so we can have a suffix that means development or proliferation.

Were you a Pictionary Picturist, by the time you drew a bearded stick Prince Harry and a highly coiffed Lucille Ball, a valley to cut in half and a viper to mess around with, your minute would be up.

Gingival hyperplasia is the profuse growth of gum tissue. Overgrowth that in severe cases can cover the teeth entirely.
While periodontal disease is caused by plaque and tartar which leads to gum shrinkage and recession, bizarrely, the irritation and inflammation of plaque and tartar also results in gingival hyperplasia: a completely opposite presentation. It seems kind of unfortunate there’s no cross-contamination therapy that can simply turn one affliction into the other.

Leukaemia, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, diabetes, and medications specifically related to high blood pressure, heart conditions, seizures and autoimmune diseases are the most common reasons for this progressive gum profusion. Bruxism can create it; as well as the rare, benign, genetic condition gingival fibromatosis also being a culprit.

However infrequently, there is also an aggressive type of periodontitis found to cause this severe gum tissue enlargement.

Poor oral hygiene, and smoking are usual suspects; as they are in most undesirable conditions of the mouth. Orthodontics can also play a role, although you’d have to have missed many, many appointments with your specialist dentist for them to not have immediately diagnosed it.

When the overgrowth is associated with systemic conditions, it’s typically resolved when the causal condition is managed or rectified. In the case of pregnancy, it’s when the child is born. For gingival fibromatosis sufferers, there is no inadvertent healing response. It’s necessary for the excess gum tissue to be removed, either surgically or by laser.

It’s not just for the aesthetics of rectifying an incredibly gummy smile that the hyperplasic disorder needs to be treated. Having the teeth unnaturally covered in soft tissue will trap bacteria, incite chronic inflammation and greatly increase the risk of decay.

There is also the potential of an autoimmune response to the excess gingiva, when the body’s intention is to attack the pathogens colonising underneath. Teeth and bone are in jeopardy of irreparable damage; with the very strong likelihood of teeth alignment being affected.

Genetics is much more relevant in canine gingival hyperplasia with some breeds much more prone than others. Boxers, Collies, Dobermans, Great Danes, and Labradors are the most vulnerable – which is not to say that all other breeds are immune. Again, as with human medications, similar canine ones can create the disorder.

Additionally, and unsurprisingly periodontal disease is a contributing factor with gum being reactive to plaque and tartar along the gum line leading to overgrowth.

The difference really, between how people and dogs contract this condition and treat it, is that one goes to the dentist or periodontist, and other is taken to the dentist or periodontist.

It’s true: there are veterinary dentists and periodontists. Keep in mind that everything mentioned applies to both peeps and pups; some things are simply less confronting when the focus appears to be on four legs, not two.

Within the unintentionally formed gum pockets, plaque, food and debris can accumulate, causing terrible discomfort and bad breath. Eating can be greatly interfered with. In acute cases, it can seem that teeth are missing, when in fact they’re entirely engulfed by the extreme tissue growth.

To restore the normal relationship of gum to tooth, a gingivectomy to remove this abnormal tissue is necessary. This surgery may also involve extractions if periodontal disease has created other issues. A biopsy is usually done to establish that no other abnormal cells are present. Pain medication and oral antiseptic rinses are part of the healing for this procedure.

Understanding the underlying cause is essential to proper prognosis.

If it’s due to medication either the dosage is lowered to lessen this particularly negative side effect; if this isn’t possible, treatment will likely be repeated under the continued prescription. If it’s caused by periodontal disease, any recurrence of the gingival hyperplasia can be negated with regular professional dental cleanings – under general anaesthetic for our canine and feline friends.

And diligent daily oral home care for all.

Avoiding gingival hyperplasia altogether only requires seeing your dentist every six months; more frequently if prescriptions are the cause.

For your beloveds, have your vet check out any gum changes or eating issues you notice. If it’s breed-related, a 6-monthly COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Assessment and Treatment) is recommended to ascertain how to keep their oral health.

Anything gingival doesn’t have to be trouble. The trouble happens when you don’t know the trouble it can cause; and you don’t go to the trouble to make sure there’s no trouble.

Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.

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