Comparative Risk Assessment of Marginal Gingival Thickness and Accumulation of Plaque in Preschool Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Aim and background: Gingival thickness varies among individuals and teeth, potentially influencing plaque retention and gingivitis risk, yet its impact in young children remains underexplored. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between marginal gingival thickness and plaque accumulation in deciduous molars of preschool children aged 3-5 years.

Subjects and methods: A total of 360 caries-free deciduous molars (180 maxillary and 180 mandibular) from systemically healthy children were examined. Marginal gingival thickness was measured using the transgingival probing method with a #15 endodontic reamer and digital vernier caliper after applying 2% local anesthetic gel. Plaque scores were assessed using Silness and Löe's plaque index. Independent t-tests compared gingival thickness and plaque scores between left and right molars, while Pearson's correlation analyzed their relationship.

Results: No statistically significant differences in gingival thickness or plaque scores were observed between left and right maxillary or mandibular first and second molars. A moderately strong positive correlation was found between gingival thickness and plaque scores in the majority of examined teeth. Other teeth showed weak to very weak correlations.

Conclusion: The gingival thickness is generally seen as thinner phenotype in primary dentition and observed less plaque accumulation around the teeth. Majority of the observed samples have a very weak to moderately strong positive correlation between gingival thickness and plaque scores.

Clinical significance: The gingival phenotype generally observed in preschool children is a thinner phenotype; thus, more regular oral hygiene interventions should be followed to avoid the risk of gingival diseases.