Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Dental OSCE Exam with comprehensive questions and interactive study tools. Enhance your clinical skills and knowledge with detailed explanations and scenarios. Achieve exam success and bolster your dental career!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What oral manifestation is likely caused by nifedipine?

Dry mouth
Candidiasis
Gingival enlargement
Oral herpes

The correct answer is: Gingival enlargement

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to treat hypertension and certain heart conditions. One of its notable side effects is gingival enlargement, which is also known as gingival hyperplasia. This condition occurs due to an increase in the size and number of cells in the gingival tissues, often as a result of the medication's influence on fibroblast activity and collagen production. Patients taking nifedipine may experience enlarged gums, which can lead to discomfort, difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, and may contribute to periodontal disease if not managed properly. This side effect highlights the importance of monitoring oral health in patients who are prescribed nifedipine and may require dental intervention to manage gingival conditions effectively. Other options listed, such as dry mouth, candidiasis, and oral herpes, do not have a direct causal relationship with nifedipine use, making gingival enlargement the most likely oral manifestation associated with this medication.