Abstract:

  Background and Aim: The thickness of healthy gingiva varies from subject to subject. This variation is not only influenced by genetic factors, but also by tooth size, shape, position and biological phenomena such as natural growth, geneder and age. The purpose of present study was to determine the thickness of facial gingiva among periodontally healthy patients in association with age, gender, tooth type and dental arch.

  Materials and Methods : In this descriptive study, 80 individuals (40 male and 40 female), 16-34 years of age with healthy periodontium were chosen. Gingival thickness was assessed in the maxillary and mandibular teeth by Transgingival probing at 2 sites per tooth: Midbuccal and Inter dental papilla. Data were analyzed with Paired-t-test and Anova Test.

  Results: The thickness of gingiva was found to be significantly higher in the younger age group (16-24) compared to the older age group (24-38) (p=0.005). Male subjects had significantly thicker gingiva compared to female subjects in MB area ( p= 0.007).The thickness of facial gingiva in the mandible (1.46± 0.38 ) was significantly thicker than maxilla (1.23± 0.27 ). The molars had the thickest and canines had the thinnest gingival thickness. (P=0.005).

  Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the facial gingival thickness in the male is more than female, in the mandible more than maxilla and in the Molar region has the most and the canive region has the least thickness.