Abstract
Medications and self care products may have adverse effects on the gingiva. These adverse effects can be divided into inflammation, intrinsic discolouration, irritation, trauma, cytotoxicity, lichenoid reaction, and proliferation. This article deals with the first 6 types of adverse effects mentioned: a subsequent article will deal with the last type mentioned. Since contraceptives were introduced, there have been indications that they cause or promote gingivitis, but with the current contraceptives this adverse effect is rarely seen. Intrinsic discolouration of the gingiva has been reported when using Staloral(R), minocycline, contraceptives and hydroxychloroquine. Irritation and trauma of the gingiva are seen when self care products containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are used for external tooth whitening, or which have analgesic potential, such as acetylsalicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide or oral rinses containing alcohol. Several cytostatics may induce apoptosis of keratinocytes in the gingiva. Oral rinses with antibacterial ingredients have cytotoxic potential. Lichenoid reactions have been reported due to the use of several (groups of) medications.
