Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
Evaluation of gingival melanin pigmentation in pediatric population- An observational study
Jerusha Santa Packyanathan1, G Lavanya2
1Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Gingival melanin pigmentation in Indian children is not influenced by age, sex, or skin tone. However, skin color can predict the intensity of this pigmentation in both anterior and posterior teeth.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Pediatric dentistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Gingival melanin pigmentation is prevalent globally across diverse ethnicities.
- Limited research exists on gingival melanin pigmentation specifically within pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess gingival melanin pigmentation in Indian children.
- To investigate associations between age, sex, skin tone, and melanin distribution/intensity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study involving 100 children aged 1-12 years.
- Gingival melanin pigmentation index (Class 1-6) used for intensity assessment.
- Chi-square test employed to analyze associations between variables.
Main Results:
- Melanin pigmentation distribution showed no significant correlation with age, sex, or skin color.
- Melanin pigmentation intensity was independent of age and sex.
- Skin color emerged as a significant predictor for melanin pigmentation intensity.
Conclusions:
- Age, sex, and skin color do not impact the distribution of gingival melanin pigmentation in Indian children.
- While age and sex do not affect intensity, skin color can predict the intensity of gingival melanin pigmentation.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the gingival melanin pigmentation in the Indian pediatric population. The aim of this study is to find any association between age and melanin distribution, age and intensity of melanin distribution, sex and melanin distribution, sex and intensity of melanin distribution, skin tone and melanin distribution, skin tone and intensity of melanin distribution and finally the association between melanin distribution and intensity.
Background:
Pigmentation on the interdental papilla, attached and marginal gingiva is commonly found in various races across the world. There is lack of literature for documentation of the same in the pediatric population.
Materials And Methods:
Intensity of melanin pigmentation was observed by the gingival melanin pigmentation index (class 1- class 6) as given by Ponnaiyan et al. This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Institution. 100 children were selected from the age group of 1-12 years of age. The association between the various parameters were verified using Chi square test.
Results:
With the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that the distribution of melanin pigmentation is not affected by age, sex and skin color. The intensity of melanin pigmentation is not affected by age and sex. The skin colour can be used as a predictor to know the intensity of melanin pigmentation in both anteriors and posteriors.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:19Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...