Phenytoin making my gums swollen

[Kimberly]

Hello

I have been prescribed Phenytoin to control my epilepsy and since I was put on the drug, my gums have become swollen and bleed when I brush them.

I have brought an electric toothbrush and been brushing three times a day but it still has made no difference to the gums. They are still quite puffy and bleed on brushing.

I have not seen a dentist in nearly three years mainly because of my anxiety to dental treatment. I know that I need to see a dentist regarding my gums, but I would need sedation before any work can be done. Do you think that my swollen gums can be treated under IV sedation?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

We certainly can treat your gum under sedation. You just need an assessment in advance to see how much work needs to be done and make arrangement for the treatment.
You may benefit from discussing the problem with your GP because sometimes they may be able to change your medication to drugs that do not cause hyperplasia of the gum (swollen gum).