Development of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth in non-institutionalized epileptic children subjected to different plaque control programs.

The periodontal condition was studied in phenytoin (PHT)-treated non-institutionalized epileptic children (n = 59) subjected to different preventive programs. One group followed an intensive preventive program during a 2-year period initiated before the start of PHT medication. The second group was given a moderate preventive program initiated after various periods of PHT medication. Patients not subjected to any additional preventive program during their PHT medication were used as controls. None of the individuals following the intensive preventive program developed pseudopockets. About 46% of the children in the moderate preventive group and 40% of the individuals not subjected to any preventive program developed pseudopockets. The amount of time the children were without plaque control was significantly and positively correlated to the development of gingival overgrowth. To minimize this occurrence, PHT-treated children should be subjected to a preventive program initiated before the start of PHT medication.