Periodontal disease in Kuna albinism: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND

In classic albinism, all parts of the body are normal except for the absence of melanin. It is believed that lack of this pigment in periodontal tissues might influence periodontal disease progression. This study was designed to determine the relationship between periodontal diseases and albinism by comparing the clinical periodontal status of a group of native Panamanian Kuna albinos (from San Blas, Panama) to Kuna non-albinos of the same communities.

METHODS

An experimental group of 30 subjects (Kuna albinos aged > or =12 years) was selected and divided into three subgroups according to age. Likewise, a control group of 30 subjects (Kuna non-albinos) was selected and divided in subgroups.

RESULTS

Assessment of oral hygiene and gingival inflammation in albinos by the Silness and Löe plaque index and Löe and Silness gingival index, respectively, was unremarkable compared to control groups. No statistically significant differences were found for number of teeth present, gingival index, plaque index, clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth, or gingival recession. As expected, age was a factor in the severity of the periodontal disease; 58% of individuals aged > or =36 years had at least one site with CAL > or =7 mm.

CONCLUSION

Based on the overwhelming similarity of results found between experimental and control groups, albinism does not represent a clinical risk factor in the pathogenesis or exacerbation of periodontal diseases for these individuals.