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

Abstract

Purpose. The width and thickness of the 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 population. Methods. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 individuals visiting the periodontics department, who were categorized into three age groups with an equal distribution of gender in each group. The width of attached gingiva (WAG) was determined using the University of North Carolina-15 probe after locating the mucogingival junction. Data were gathered and entered in Excel sheet version 19, and SPSS version 20 was used for further analysis. The mean and standard deviations were calculated. The independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to find out the significant difference between variables. The correlation between dependent and independent variables was discovered with the help of the 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 an equal distribution of gender. The maximum WAG was found on the maxillary right lateral incisor and minimum width on the mandibular left first premolar. The average WAG was greater in the upper arch (3.19 mm) than in the lower arch (2.71 mm). The maximum thickness (1.728 mm) of the attached gingiva was found on the mandibular left first molars and minimum width (0.667 mm) on the 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) than their male counterparts.