Normal and locally induced oral pigmentations

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Dermatology
• Human anatomy

Background:

• The common description of normal gingiva as 'coral pink' is inaccurate.
• Intra-oral soft tissues commonly display pigmentation, primarily of racial origin.
• Gingival pigmentation varies significantly in color, distribution, and pattern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the 'coral pink' description of normal gingiva.
• To detail the normal range of gingival pigmentation.
• To discuss factors affecting oral tissue pigmentation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on gingival pigmentation.
• Analysis of normal variations in gingival coloration.
• Categorization of pigmentation patterns (uniform, unilateral, bilateral, diffuse, mottled, macular).

Main Results:

• Normal gingival pigmentation spans from pale pink to deep bluish purple.
• Pigmentation patterns can be uniform, unilateral, bilateral, diffuse, mottled, or macular.
• Melanin distribution in oral tissues is influenced by various local and systemic conditions.

Conclusions:

• Gingival pigmentation is a normal physiological variation.
• Abnormal oral pigmentation warrants further investigation for potential causes.
• Understanding normal pigmentation is crucial for diagnosing pathological changes.