Chlorhexidine as an oral hygiene adjunct for cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia

Abstract

Recent advances in surgical technique and chemotherapeutic procedures have greatly increased the survival rates of organ transplantation patients. Of dental importance is the widespread use of the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine in this special-patient population, a drug that has the potential to cause severe gingival hyperplasia as a side effect. A case is presented illustrating the use of the plaque-inhibitor chlorhexidine as a therapeutic adjunct in possibly arresting this gingival condition.