The relationship between gingival phenotype and periodontal diagnosis in young adults attending the Dr René Puig Bentz Dental Clinic at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña
Description
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between gingival phenotype and periodontal diagnosis in young adults attending the Dr René Puig Bentz Dental Clinic at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña. A cross-sectional experimental study was conducted with a clinical sample of 60 patients, predominantly female. The age distribution was equally divided between groups aged 18–25 and 26–35, enabling analysis of possible variations in the evaluated clinical parameters according to age and sex. Patients underwent a standardized clinical examination to assess gingival thickness and the width of keratinized and attached gingiva, as well as to classify the gingival phenotype. Variables related to oral hygiene were also recorded, including brushing frequency, brushing technique, toothbrush bristle type, and toothbrush replacement frequency. The results showed a predominance of the thin gingival phenotype, characterized by narrow keratinized gingiva and thin gingival thickness. While most participants had healthy or stable periodontium, some had diagnoses compatible with gingivitis. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test revealed no significant relationship between gingival phenotype and periodontal diagnosis. This led to the null hypothesis being accepted. In terms of hygiene habits, patients who used Bass or modified Bass techniques and changed their toothbrush regularly were found to have better periodontal health. Conversely, patients who did not follow any specific technique, used hard bristles, or changed their toothbrush infrequently exhibited higher levels of inflammation, particularly among individuals with a thin gingival phenotype. In conclusion, the results enable us to characterize the studied population clinically, establishing that although the thin gingival phenotype predominates, it does not show a direct association with periodontal diagnosis. However, oral hygiene habits were found to be a relevant factor in gingival condition, highlighting the importance of promoting preventive behaviors tailored to each patient's individual characteristics.
Files
Steps to reproduce
This study investigated the relationship between gingival phenotype and periodontal diagnosis in young adults receiving treatment at the UNPHU dental clinic. A cross- sectional experimental design was applied to a sample of 60 patients, who were divided into age groups and were predominantly female. Clinical evaluations included measurements of gingival thickness and the amount of keratinized and attached gingiva, as well as an assessment of the overall gingival phenotype. These evaluations were performed using the North Carolina periodontal probe on Ramfjord teeth following a standardized probing protocol. Data on oral hygiene habits, such as, brushing frequency, technique, bristle type, and toothbrush replacement were collected via questionnaires administered during the clinical visit. To analyze the relationship between anatomical and behavioral variables and periodontal diagnosis, the chi-square test was used. The results showed a predominance of the thin gingival phenotype, characterized by narrow keratinized gingiva and reduced gingival thickness. While most patients exhibited a healthy or stable periodontium, some were diagnosed with gingivitis. However, the statistical analysis showed no significant association between phenotype and periodontal diagnosis, demonstrating that these variables are independent and leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. In contrast, better hygiene practices, especially the use of defined brushing techniques like Bass and modified Bass, along with regular toothbrush replacement were positively associated with improved periodontal health. Individuals who did not follow specific techniques and used hard bristle brushes tended to show higher levels of inflammation, particularly among those with a thin gingival phenotype. These findings highlight the importance of individual oral hygiene behaviors in maintaining gingival health over anatomical predisposition.