Gingival enlargement and epulis are common reactive lesions of the oral cavity with a multifactorial aetiology. While dental plaque is considered the primary initiating factor, systemic hormonal influences play a significant modulatory role in their development and clinical expression. This narrative review aims to summarise current evidence regarding the effects of sex steroid hormones on gingival enlargement and epulis, with particular emphasis on pregnancy-associated lesions and hormonal fluctuations throughout life. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies investigating the effects of oestrogen and progesterone on periodontal tissues. The available evidence indicates that sex hormones influence inflammatory responses, vascular function, immune activity, microbial composition, and connective tissue metabolism within the periodontium. The findings suggest that hormonal changes do not directly initiate gingival disease but act as modifying factors that increase tissue susceptibility to local irritants, particularly dental plaque. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for improving prevention and clinical management of hormonally influenced gingival conditions.
Suszczyńska et al. (Fri,) studied this question.