Acromegaly is a metabolic disorder caused by increased growth hormone (GH) secretion. Common oral features are prognatism,
increased interdental spaces, macroglosia, and dental mobility. However, not much is known about the periodontal status of
acromegalics. The periodontal status of 16 acromegalic subjects was investigated and compared with 20 controls (similar socioeconomic
profile and age). Periodontal probing, followed by the assessment of gingival overgrowth, tooth loss and mobility, and malocclusion
was performed. Acromegalic patients’ did not present periodontitis and all of them had complete absence of periodontal pockets,
while 50% of the control group presented periodontitis. All acromegalic patients presented dental mobility degree 1, mainly
in the anterior inferior teeth. Malocclusion (100%) and diastemas (93.75%) were also present in these patients. It was concluded
that acromegalic patients may be less prone to periodontal diseases than control subjects.
Keywords Acromegaly - Mouth - Periodontitis - Growth hormone - Disease