Evaluation of Characteristics of Gingival Stippling in Adult Population. A Clinical Study

Abstract

Aim: The present study aims to describe stippling patterns in terms of number, size and location and evaluate their gender-specific differences. Materials and methods: Around 250 subjects aged between 10 and 35 years were recruited for the study. The gingival examination included the evaluation of stippling patterns in different areas of attached gingiva followed by impression making that was done with custom-made trays and variation in impression making was standardized with stone casts and photographs made with digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) camera. The characteristics of stippling were analyzed and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: According to size, the fine form was more in occurrence to bulbous and there was no significant difference between sexes. Based on the number, sparse was more prevalent when compared to numerous and moderate and between the sexes, there was a significant difference in the number of stippling in the maxillary labial (p < 0.03) and palatal (p < 0.01) and mandibular lingual region (p < 0.01). Based on the quantity, the light form was more occurrence than heavy and between sexes, significant differences were found for the quantity of stippling only in the maxillary palatal region (p < 0.05). In both arches, stippling was most prevalent in the interpapillary (84.2%) compared to interradicular (74.65%), and radicular (23.3%) regions. Conclusion: The characteristics of gingival stippling based on the size, number and quantity showed significant variation between sexes and this variation might be attributed to factors such as keratinization and the relative position of teeth. So, accessing the stippling with a larger study population would consider stippling as a valuable diagnostic aid. Clinical significance: Gingival stippling seems to be a unique characteristic of every individual. It varies in terms of number, size, and quantity. Rugae and fingerprints are utilized in forensic sciences for the identification of age, sex, and individuals, along with dental and osseous characteristics. If the stippling pattern and its reliability are further studied, then in the future, it might be used as a major diagnostic aid and as a valuable identification marker in forensic dentistry.