Periodontal Health Parameters in Adults: The Role of the Vestibular Fornix Depth

Abstract

Little is known about whether the depth of the vestibular fornix influences people’s ability to access their teeth to remove plaque during oral hygiene measures at home. This study aimed to investigate the association between vestibular fornix depth and periodontal health. The study included 100 adults in good periodontal health, with a plaque index (PI) ≤15%, bleeding on probing (BOP) ≤10%, and a pocket probing depth (PPD) ≤3 mm. Using a periodontal probe and a digital caliper, we measured PI, BOP, PPD, gum phenotype, gum recession, the width of keratinized gingiva, and the vestibular fornix depth. Adjustment for multiple testing was performed using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Results: Vestibular fornix depth was associated with width of keratinized gingiva (ρ 0.60, p < 0.0001). Median BOP was 1.39% in participants with a vestibular fornix depth ≥7 mm, and 0.00% in those with a vestibular fornix depth <7 mm (p = 0.62). Vestibular fornix depth and the width of keratinized gingiva did not seem to be associated with the level of periodontal health. Participants with a shallower vestibular fornix depth should be given advice on how best to ensure good oral hygiene at home.