Why are my gums growing over my teeth after starting a new medication?

If your gums seem to be growing over your teeth, it can be confusing, even unsettling, but it's usually linked to a medicine you're taking, not a sign that something is wrong with your gums themselves. Certain seizure and blood pressure medicines as well as medicines that lower immune system activity are the most common causes. A dental provider can check whether your medicine may be involved and help you protect your gums. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Certain seizure, blood pressure and immune-suppressing medicines can cause gum tissue to grow over the teeth. 

• Plaque and inflammation can make gum overgrowth worse and make brushing and flossing more difficult. 

• Treatment may include better home care, professional cleanings, a medication change or surgery when needed. 

• Never stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. Talk with your doctor and dental provider first. 

If you've noticed your gums covering more of your teeth since starting a new medicine, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can check your gums and walk through your options. 

What is drug-induced gingival overgrowth? 

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth means extra gum tissue forms after a medicine affects your gums. The tissue may begin between your teeth and spread over part of a tooth. It can look puffy or bumpy and may feel soft or firm. As it grows, it may make brushing and flossing harder. 

Which medicines are linked to gum overgrowth? 

A report in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology groups medicines linked to gum overgrowth into three broad types.¹ These include: 

• Certain anti-seizure medicines 

• Calcium channel blockers used for high blood pressure, such as amlodipine 

• Medicines that lower immune system activity 

Blood pressure medicines can also affect your teeth and gums in other ways. 

Why does this happen? 

Researchers do not fully understand why these medicines affect gum tissue. The report says plaque-related inflammation and differences in how each person’s gum tissue responds may play a part.¹ This may help explain why one person develops gum overgrowth while another person taking the same medicine does not. 

Why does oral hygiene matter more now? 

The report notes that plaque-related inflammation may make gum overgrowth worse.¹ Extra gum tissue can also be harder to clean, so plaque and tartar may collect around the gumline. 

Brush carefully and clean between your teeth each day. Regular dental cleanings can remove hardened tartar and help control inflammation. You may wonder if you can remove tartar yourself, but tartar usually needs to be removed by a dental provider or dental hygienist. 

What can be done about gum overgrowth? 

A review of 22 studies found several ways to treat medicine-related gum overgrowth. These included changing the medicine when medically safe, cleaning the teeth and gums and removing extra tissue with surgery when needed.² 

Your care may include: 

• Better brushing and cleaning between your teeth 

• Professional dental cleanings 

• A medicine change approved by the doctor who prescribed it 

• Surgery if the tissue does not improve or makes cleaning difficult 

Never stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. Your dental provider and doctor may need to work together to find the safest option. 

When should you see a dental provider? 

See a dental provider if gum tissue begins growing over your teeth or makes brushing, flossing or eating difficult. You should also make an appointment if your gums are sore, swollen or bleed easily. 

Bring an up-to-date list of your medicines and note when the gum changes began. Your dental provider can check whether a medicine may be involved or whether another gum problem is causing the change. Tell the doctor who prescribed the medicine as well, but do not stop taking it unless that doctor tells you to. 

Do not wait for the overgrowth to get worse. Contact your dental provider to have your gums checked and discuss your treatment options. 

Why are my gums growing over my teeth since I started a new medication? FAQs 

Here are a few more answers to common questions about gum overgrowth from medication. 

Does gum overgrowth go away if I stop the medicine? 

The tissue may shrink after a doctor changes the medicine, but it may not disappear completely. Some people still need professional cleaning or surgery. Never stop a medicine on your own. Talk with your doctor and dental provider first. 

Can children get gum overgrowth from medication? 

Yes. A small study published in Pediatric Dentistry found an association between gum enlargement and amphetamine medicine in children ages 6 to 14.³ This does not mean every child who takes this medicine will develop gum changes. If you notice a change, tell the child’s dental provider and doctor. 

Is gum overgrowth the same as gum disease? 

No. Drug-induced gum overgrowth is extra tissue linked to a medicine. Gum disease involves inflammation caused by plaque bacteria. The two can happen together because overgrown tissue may be harder to clean. 

Can better brushing alone fix gum overgrowth? 

Good brushing and cleaning between your teeth can help control plaque and inflammation, but they may not remove the extra tissue. Your dental provider may also recommend professional cleaning, a medicine review with your doctor or a procedure to remove the tissue. 

Sources 

¹ National Institutes of Health, PubMed Central, Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology: “Management of amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement: Series of three cases.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3118083/ 

² National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology: “Management of medication-induced gingival hyperplasia: a systematic review.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33214091/ 

³ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry: “Relationship Between Amphetamine Ingestion and Gingival Enlargement.” https://www.aapd.org/globalassets/media/publications/archives/hasan-26-05.pdf