Published Paper Details:

Background: Gingival overgrowth is one of the common presentation of gingival disease often is the consequence of using certain medications, if left untreated could result in severe oral complications, however diagnosis of these entities becomes challenging due to its varied presentations. It is often associated with poor oral hygiene. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge of gingival enlargement among the dental students and to reinforce the importance of these enlargements in clinical practice by giving additional education regarding pathophysiology, presentation and treatment. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire, through Google forms among 100 dental students across dental colleges in Tamil Nadu, India during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Results and Discussion: On evaluating the knowledge about gingival enlargement only 42% responded for it to be an increase in size of gingiva and 35% were not sure whether gingival enlargement will be reduced after scaling procedure. On assessing the treatment option available for gingival enlargement only 39% participants believe gingival enlargement is treatable among which fewer than one fourth (24%) of total participants considered it as a reversible condition. Majority of the students were unaware of clinical presentation and complications of gingival enlargement. Conclusion: The present study clearly showed a lack of awareness and knowledge among the budding dental students about gingival enlargement during their early academic life. Hence steps have to be taken to incorporate positive knowledge and reinforce the importance of these enlargements in clinical practice by giving additional education towards the outcome of improper treatment.