Comparative Risk Assessment of Marginal Gingival Thickness and Accumulation of Plaque in Preschool Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

AIM AND

BACKGROUND

Gingival thickness varies among individuals and teeth, potentially influencing plaque retention and gingivitis risk, yet its impact in young children remains underexplored. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between marginal gingival thickness and plaque accumulation in deciduous molars of preschool children aged 3-5 years.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

A total of 360 caries-free deciduous molars (180 maxillary and 180 mandibular) from systemically healthy children were examined. Marginal gingival thickness was measured using the transgingival probing method with a #15 endodontic reamer and digital vernier caliper after applying 2% local anesthetic gel. Plaque scores were assessed using Silness and Löe's plaque index. Independent t-tests compared gingival thickness and plaque scores between left and right molars, while Pearson's correlation analyzed their relationship.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences in gingival thickness or plaque scores were observed between left and right maxillary or mandibular first and second molars. A moderately strong positive correlation was found between gingival thickness and plaque scores in the majority of examined teeth. Other teeth showed weak to very weak correlations.

CONCLUSION

The gingival thickness is generally seen as thinner phenotype in primary dentition and observed less plaque accumulation around the teeth. Majority of the observed samples have a very weak to moderately strong positive correlation between gingival thickness and plaque scores.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The gingival phenotype generally observed in preschool children is a thinner phenotype; thus, more regular oral hygiene interventions should be followed to avoid the risk of gingival diseases.