Gingival Thickness Among Smokers and Non-smokers: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: It is a known fact that clinical appearance of gingiva directly correlates with the inflammatory status of the periodontium. Smoking and its effect on periodontium will be reflected in the gingiva by morphologic and histologic changes. The gingival thickness change is one among them. Thickness of gingiva seems to be of significance and an issue of concern in aesthetic and functional outcome of the periodontal, restorative and orthodontic therapy. Although, abundant literature is available regarding the effect of smoking on periodontium, very little has been focused on the thickness of gingiva among smokers and non-smoker healthy patients as well. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study is to comparatively assess the gingival thickness among smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: The study group included 30 age matched smokers and non-smokers whose gingival thickness was measured in the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth by transgingival probing midbuccally in the attached gingiva and at the base of the interdental papilla. Plaque index and gingival bleeding index were recorded. The data was statistically analysed using paired t-test and Z-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Gingival bleeding index and plaque index were similar between both the groups. Gingiva is thicker in interdental areas when compared to midbuccal areas both in smokers and non-smokers. Both midbuccal and interdental areas were thicker among smokers when compared to non-smokers.