Steroid Abuse Harms Gingival Tissues
Researchers found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement, according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology. Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gingival tissues become swollen and grow over the teeth. Overgrown gums make it easier for bacteria found in plaque to accumulate and attack supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to severe periodontal infection. “It was found that AAS abusers had statistically significant levels of gingival enlargement compared to non-users, requiring a gingivectomy for many cases,” explains Onur Ozcelik, DDS, PhD, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Department of Periodontology, Adana, Turkey. “Although it has been reported that many of the adverse effects of AAS abuse are fully reversible within several months after the cessation of the drug, it is not known if … Read more