What adverse effect is prevented by routine oral hygiene during calcium channel blocker therapy?

Routine oral hygiene during calcium channel blocker therapy helps prevent gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of gum tissue. Calcium channel blockers are known to cause this particular side effect as they can lead to increased collagen synthesis in the gums, ultimately resulting in their enlargement. Keeping up with oral hygiene—such as regular brushing and flossing—can help manage this side effect by reducing inflammation and the accumulation of plaque, which can exacerbate gum tissue overgrowth.

In contrast, while chest pain and high blood pressure are pertinent issues in cardiovascular therapy, they are not directly related to oral health or the specific side effects caused by calcium channel blockers. Dry mouth, while potentially a side effect of some medications, is not as closely associated with calcium channel blockers as gingival hyperplasia is.