Evaluation of Width and Thickness of Attached Gingiva and Its Association with Age, Gender and Arch Location in Nepalese Population

Abstract

Purpose The width and thickness of attached gingiva are important clinical parameters. Considerable variations exist in the same as well as in different individuals. This study aimed to assess the width and thickness of the attached gingiva and its relationship with age, gender, and arch location in the Nepalese patients. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 individuals visiting periodontics department who were categorized into three age-groups with equal distribution of gender in each group. The width of attached gingiva (WAG) was determined using University of North Carolina − 15 probe after locating the mucogingival junction. Data were gathered, entered in excel sheet version 19 and SPSS version 20 was used for further analysis. Mean and standard deviation were calculated. Independent t-test, One-way ANOVA was used to find out the significant difference between variables. Correlation between dependent and independent variables was discovered with the help of Pearson correlation test. The significance level was set at 5% with a 95% confidence level. Results 120 individuals with 1440 teeth were examined to measure the WAG with equal distribution of gender. The maximum WAG was found on maxillary right lateral incisor and minimum width on mandibular left first premolar. The average WAG was greater in the upper arch (3.19 mm) than in the lower (2.71 mm). Maximum thickness (1.728 mm) of attached gingiva was found on the mandibular left first molars and minimum width (0.667 mm) on mandibular left first premolars. Conclusions As individuals age, there is a reduction in gingival thickness, accompanied by an increase in the WAG across both dental arches. In terms of gender differences, females exhibit a higher thickness of attached gingiva (TAH) in comparison to male counterpart.