Steroids harm gum tissues

July 6, 2006

Turkish researchers have found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroid is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement.

Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gum tissues become swollen and grow over the teeth making 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," says Onur Ozcelik, of Cukurova University in 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 gingival enlargement would also regress after the withdrawal of AAS."

Periodontal infection may be a risk factor for more serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and pre-term, low-birth-weight babies.

The findings are published in the Journal of Periodontology.