Caries and periodontal disease: drug-induced gingival overgrowth: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Caries and periodontal disease: drug-induced gingival overgrowth

Sample item

Which drug classically causes gingival overgrowth?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Phenytoin

Phenytoin, nifedipine and ciclosporin cause fibrous gingival overgrowth, worsened by plaque. Oral hygiene and dose adjustment help, and surgery may be needed.

Option by option

  • A. Lithium

    Lithium is not associated with gingival overgrowth.

  • B. Amoxicillin

    Amoxicillin does not cause gingival overgrowth.

  • C. Phenytoin (correct)

    Correct. Phenytoin is the classic cause.

  • D. Furosemide

    Furosemide does not cause gingival overgrowth.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Phenytoin. Phenytoin, nifedipine and ciclosporin cause fibrous gingival overgrowth, worsened by plaque.

Why is "Lithium" not the answer?

Lithium is not associated with gingival overgrowth.

Why is "Amoxicillin" not the answer?

Amoxicillin does not cause gingival overgrowth.

Why is "Furosemide" not the answer?

Furosemide does not cause gingival overgrowth.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Caries and periodontal disease: drug-induced gingival overgrowth in Dentistry. Oral hygiene and dose adjustment help, and surgery may be needed.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Caries and periodontal disease: drug-induced gingival overgrowth?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.