What is the most common cause of gingival enlargement?

Gingival enlargement, also known as gingival hyperplasia, can occur due to various factors, and understanding the most common causes is important for diagnosis and treatment.

The correct answer highlights the role of plaque-induced conditions as primary culprits in the development of gingival enlargement. Plaque, which consists of bacteria and their products that accumulate on the teeth and gums, can lead to inflammation and swelling of the gingiva. When plaque is not adequately removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can result in gingivitis, where the gums become red, swollen, and sometimes bleed during brushing. This inflammation can cause gingival tissue to enlarge, making plaque-induced enlargement the most prevalent cause.

While hereditary factors may influence an individual's propensity for gingival hyperplasia, they are not as common as the plaque-related issues seen in everyday dental care. Drug-induced enlargement, such as that caused by anticonvulsants or certain antihypertensive medications, is significant but generally less common than those cases related to inadequate oral hygiene. Leukaemia can also cause gingival enlargement, but this condition is rare compared to gingivitis from plaque accumulation.

Therefore, the understanding that plaque accumulation is the typical precursor to gingival enlargement makes this answer align with common clinical observations in