Gingival phenotype distribution in young Caucasian women and men – An investigative study. Issue 1 (11th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fischer, Kai R.; Büchel, Jasmin; Kauffmann, Frederic; Heumann, Christian; Friedmann, Anton; Schmidlin, Patrick R.
• Is Part Of: Clinical and experimental dental research. Volume 8:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 374
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2021-11-11
• Subjects: gingival phenotype -- phenotype distribution -- probe transparency -- Ramfjord teeth; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentistry; Oral Medicine; Mouth Diseases; Dentistry; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1002/cre2.482
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2057-4347

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between gingival phenotype and tooth location based on selected index teeth ("Ramfjord") and assess possible differences between women and men. Material and Methods: Thirty‐six women and 20 men voluntarily participated in this investigation with an average age of 23 years (min: 19; max: 37). Gingival phenotypes (GP) were assessed by transparency of a periodontal probe through the buccal gingival margin. Results: A comparable and similar GP on all index teeth was only found in seven out of the 56 subjects, that is, thin or thick only: Five participants (three male/two female) showed a uniform and constantly thick and two females a constantly thin GP. While the majority of molars (94.6%; p = 0.006) showed a thick GP, premolars (61.6%; p = 0.09) as well as incisors (70.5%; p = 0.046) were predominantly categorized as thin. In addition, significantly thicker GP was in general observed for maxillary teeth ( p = 0.001) but without differences between genders ( p = 0.722). Conclusion: No constant GP can be expected within one dentition. The use of the "Ramfjord teeth" may serve as a quick overview and reliable method to screen GP distribution.