DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2017.v05i08.008

Pages: 596-610

The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence, severity, distribution of gingival pigmentation, influence of age and gender on pigmentation, and to correlate the colour of the gingiva with facial skin complexion. 500 systemically healthy subjects were included in the study and were divided into five groups with 100 in each group: <6 months (I), 6 months to 5 years (II), 5 to 15 years (III), 15 to 35 years (IV) and 35 to 55 years (V). All the subjects facial complexion was recorded using the Fitzpatrick scale. Severity of the gingival pigmentation was recorded using Dummett- Gupta Oral Pigmentation index and distribution was recorded using de Krom Oral Pigmentation Chart. Gingival pigmentation was found in all the subjects of the observed sample. Mandible has shown significantly more gingival pigmentation than maxilla, anterior more than posterior, labial more than lingual. There was a statistically significant increase in the gingival pigmentation from group I to III and decrease from group III to IV and no difference between group IV and V. In all the groups’ significant correlation was found between gingival pigmentation and facial skin complexion. This study supports the impression that there is an influence of advancing age on gingival pigmentation and a strong relationship exists between facial skin colour and gingival pigmentation.