The width of clinically-defined keratinized gingiva in the mixed dentition

Some authors have noticed a clear decrease of the width of keratinized gingiva when they compared the width over deciduous and newly erupted permanent teeth. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the width of keratinized gingiva over permanent and deciduous teeth present in 6 to 11-year old children in an urban environment. The greatest width of keratinized gingiva was found over deciduous canines and permanent incisors. When comparing the width of keratinized gingiva over deciduous canines and molars and permanent first incisors and first molars, statistically significant differences were found only between 6- and 11-year-old groups. The findings do not seem to support previously published data, but do suggest that periodontal mucogingival surgery is not needed before the patient reaches the adult age, since there is a tendency of an increase of the width of keratinized gingiva.