Steroid abusers get big gums, guns

Anabolic steroid abusers get gingival overgrowth (that would be big gums), or so says this study in the Journal of Periodontology:

Researchers found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement, according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology.

Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gingival tissues become swollen and grow over the teeth. Overgrown gums make it easier for bacteria found in plaque to accumulate and attack supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to severe periodontal infection.

"It was found that AAS abusers had statistically significant levels of gingival enlargement compared to non-users, requiring a gingivectomy for many cases," explains Onur Ozcelik, DDS, PhD, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Department of Periodontology, Adana, Turkey. "Although it has been reported that many of the adverse effects of AAS abuse are fully reversible within several months after the cessation of the drug, it is not known if gingival enlargement would also regress after the withdrawal of AAS."

Researcher also found that gingival inflammation was higher in the AAS user group compared to the non-AAS users. "Further studies are required to find out if increased gingival scores in the user group are a direct effect of AAS or if the inflammation is a result of compromised oral hygiene due to gingival enlargement," said Ozcelik.

...

People taking AAS without medical supervision should be informed of the adverse effects and strongly encouraged to begin a cessation program. (Emphasis mine.)

God, you know with all the horrendous acne, violent mood swings, inability to lift my arms above my head, and testicular cancer, I almost forgot how much it would suck to have big gums.

How is research like this getting paid for!?

For pictures of gingival overgrowth check here. (I didn't have to heart to copy them...they are kind of gross.)