Caries, pulp and periodontal disease mnemonic

Drugs causing gingival overgrowth

The mnemonic

PCN

What each word stands for

  • PPhenytoin
  • CCiclosporin
  • NNifedipine and other calcium channel blockers

Why it matters clinically

Plaque control and sometimes drug substitution reduce overgrowth.

Where it stops being reliable

Hereditary and leukaemia-related overgrowth are not covered.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Caries, pulp and periodontal disease mnemonic?

PCN. It helps you recall: Drugs causing gingival overgrowth.

What does "P" stand for?

Phenytoin

What does "C" stand for?

Ciclosporin

What does "N" stand for?

Nifedipine and other calcium channel blockers

What are all the parts of the PCN mnemonic?

P: Phenytoin; C: Ciclosporin; N: Nifedipine and other calcium channel blockers.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Caries, pulp and periodontal disease in Dentistry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Hereditary and leukaemia-related overgrowth are not covered.

How is this useful clinically?

Plaque control and sometimes drug substitution reduce overgrowth.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Dentistry question about Caries, pulp and periodontal disease.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.