In type II diabetics, use of nifedipine is associated with which adverse intraoral effect?

• A. Periodontal disease
• B. Stomatitis
• C. Candidiasis
• D. Dental erosion

Answer: (A)

Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine often cause gingival overgrowth. In people with type II diabetes, the risk of periodontal disease is already higher due to impaired immune response and increased inflammation. When the gums enlarge, plaque tends to accumulate more easily and becomes harder to remove, creating a breeding ground for inflammatory periodontal problems. This combination makes periodontal disease the most likely intraoral adverse effect associated with nifedipine in diabetics. The other options don’t typically arise from this drug: stomatitis is generic mucosal inflammation, candidiasis is a fungal infection usually tied to immune status or antibiotic use, and dental erosion results from acid exposure rather than gum overgrowth.