# Assessment of physicians’ awareness and clinical practice regarding gingival enlargement caused by calcium channel blockers

## TL;DR

This study finds that many Iraqi physicians know about a drug side effect but don't consistently act on it in practice.

## Contribution

First assessment of Iraqi physicians' knowledge and practice on CCB-induced gingival enlargement.

## Key findings

- Only 58% of physicians recognized CCBs as a cause of gingival enlargement.
- Just 33.5% reported informing patients about this risk.
- 57.7% do not regularly refer patients for oral assessments related to CCB use.

## Abstract

Gingival enlargement is a side effect of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which are usually used to treat cardiovascular conditions. Physicians have an important role in identifying and managing the disease, but their level of awareness and ability to apply their knowledge in clinical practice remain unclear in Iraq.

This study aims to assess physicians’ knowledge of calcium channel blocker (CCB)-induced gingival enlargement and determine whether they apply this knowledge in their clinical practice.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 331 physicians working in Iraqi primary healthcare institutions to collect the data for this study. A Google Forms questionnaire was designed, created, and distributed via Facebook and WhatsApp (special groups for primary health centers in Iraq). The survey evaluated their understanding about gingival enlargement as a side effect of calcium channel blockers.

The study analyzed responses to questions regarding awareness and management of gingival enlargement linked with calcium channel blocker (CCB) drugs. Only 58% of physicians reported that CCB use causes gingival enlargement as a side effect. However, fewer responders (33.5%) believed they informed patients about this risk. Furthermore, 57.7% of respondents said they do not regularly refer patients for gingival assessment related to CCB use. When asked about factors affecting the occurrence and severity of gingival enlargement, the majority (88.2%) identified a combination of individual susceptibility, dental hygiene levels, and specific medication as relevant factors for this. Most respondents (73.4%) approved that improving oral hygiene and professional cleanings assist in managing drug-induced gingival enlargement.

There is a gap between the knowledge of physicians regarding the role of calcium channel blockers in causing gingival enlargement and their clinical practice. Enhancing medical-dental collaboration and providing targeted education can lead to better management and outcomes for patients experiencing CCB-induced gingival enlargement.