Gingival hyperplasia, in both dogs and cats, appears as a thickening or excessive growth of the gums. The abnormal increase in the number of cells occurs as a result of chronic inflammation.
Its diagnosis is confirmed by performing a biopsy and histologically examining the hyperplastic tissue. Despite the proliferation, the tissue maintains its usual arrangement, meaning the cells are morphologically and structurally normal.
The overgrowth of the gums leads to the formation of gingival pseudopockets. These cause a greater retention of food debris, hair, or bacteria, which contributes to worsening the inflammatory response. Thus, the pathological process feeds itself, and if left untreated, hyperplasia can progress and eventually affect the supporting structures, leading to the development of periodontal disease.
"Once in the clinic, performing a correct examination using a periodontal probe and an intraoral radiological study is essential to correctly measure the length of the pseudopockets and assess whether periodontal disease exists."
Pilar Castelló, Head of the Dentistry Service at IVeM
Etiology and Predisposition to the Pathology
Although the disease can occur in any canine breed, some seem to have a greater predisposition, such as brachycephalic breeds, which include Boxers. It also frequently affects Great Danes, Collies, Mastiffs, and Retrievers, suggesting an associated genetic component.
When gum thickening occurs in cats between 5 and 8 months of age, it is known as juvenile hyperplastic gingivitis. Clinically, inflammation and hyperplasia of the gums are observed, which can even cover the crowns of the feline teeth. The possibility that juvenile hyperplastic gingivitis may evolve into more severe oral inflammation, that is, progress to manifest as stomatitis in the adult cat, has been described.
The etiology of the disease can therefore be genetic or caused by hormonal factors, the administration of medications (cyclosporine, anticonvulsants, or calcium channel blockers), or other factors that cause continuous irritation of the gums.
If it is detected that the origin of the pathology is due to drug induction, it is advisable to consult with the veterinarian so that the medication can be withdrawn or replaced by another homologous drug, that is, with a similar mechanism of action but without causing these side effects.
Treatment of Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivectomy together with gingivoplasty is the treatment of choice for gingival hyperplasia. The objective of this treatment is to remove the excess overgrown gum tissue and restore the physiological contour of the gums, restoring the appropriate depth of the gingival sulcus.
"It is very important to know the physiology of the periodontal tissues and use the appropriate surgical technique, because otherwise, we can irreversibly alter their anatomical structure, condemning the tooth to periodontal disease," states Castelló.
Once treated, one of the indispensable prophylactic measures to prevent the inflammation from recurring is the maintenance of strict dental hygiene. Thus, in canine and feline patients, daily brushing with the appropriate toothpaste will prevent continuous irritation of the gums and avoid the clinical manifestation of the disease again.
Pilar Castelló and the rest of our human team at IVeM have extensive experience in the area of veterinary dentistry. If your animal presents an inflammatory process or is diagnosed with gingival hyperplasia, they are excellent expert hands to trust.
