Evaluation of changes in the width of gingiva in children and youth. Review of literature.

Comprehensive health care in children and youth includes periodic oral examinations. The mucogingival complex undergoes significant changes during development. The factors that impact the width of attached and keratinized gingiva during this period of life are: tooth eruption phase, the position in the arch, the type of frena attachment and oral hygiene. Along with the child's development the width of attached and keratinized gingiva increases, except for the period of tooth replacement, when a temporary narrowing of attached gingiva of erupting permanent teeth is observed. The understanding of physiological processes of the mucogingival complex is prerequisite for diagnostics and treatment of gingival abnormalities in children and youth. Therefore close cooperation between paediatrician and dental specialists: paedodontist, orthodontist and periodontologist is essential.