What does DIGO mean in DRUGS

DIGO is caused by certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers and phenytoin, that can cause an overproduction of excess cells in the gum tissue when taken regularly. The resulting enlargement of the gums can become uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities such as brushing and flossing.

Generally, individuals who are taking medications known to cause DIGO have an increased risk of developing this condition. Additional risk factors include poor dental hygiene, diabetes, HIV infection, and smokeless tobacco use.

Common signs and symptoms of DIGO include swollen gums that can cover teeth making them difficult to clean; tenderness or soreness in the gum tissues; bad breath; tenderness or soreness when biting or chewing; red or purplish discoloration around the gum line; receding gums; loosening of teeth; changes in occlusion (the way your top and bottom teeth fit together); and pain in the jawbones loss of alveolar bone height.

Several preventative measures can be taken in order to reduce your risk of developing DIGO. These includes brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily, routine dental checkups, maintaining good overall health habits (such as quitting smoking), having medications reviewed by a doctor periodically, and avoiding certain medications if possible.

In order to diagnose whether someone has Drug Induced Gingival Overgrowth (DIGO), a dentist will typically ask detailed questions about your medication use before performing a physical dental exam where they measure the size of your gums using specialized tools. Imaging such as X-ray photography may also be helpful in diagnosing this condition.

Treatment typically involves controlling enlargement through reducing inflammation associated with tartar build up with scaling procedures or anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases where these treatments fail surgical excision may be necessary.