Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Gummy Smile: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kabul, Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND

A gummy smile (GS), or excessive gingival display, is characterized by over 3 mm of gingival exposure when smiling. It affects facial esthetics, often impacting self-esteem. GS has multifactorial causes, including skeletal, muscular, and dentogingival factors. This study, the first in Afghanistan, examines GS prevalence and associated factors in patients in Kabul.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: This cross-sectional study, conducted at the Stomatology Teaching Hospital of Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS) from April to September 2024, included 299 participants aged 10-50 years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical examinations, with ethical approval from KUMS. Simple random sampling was used, and statistical analyses included chi-square tests and t-tests to assess associations.

RESULTS

A total of 299 patients were evaluated, with 44% presenting a GS, predominantly females aged 20-30. Significant differences were found in interlabial distance (p = 0.001), upper incisor exposure (p = 0.001), subnasal to philtrum length (p = 0.048), lip hypermobility (p = 0.029), and lower/middle third facial ratio (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

GS was prevalent among females and younger individuals, particularly those aged 20-30 years, in this Afghan population. Significant factors associated with GS included interlabial distance, upper incisor exposure, lip hypermobility, and subnasal to philtrum length. Further studies with larger, multicenter samples are needed to confirm findings.