Color Range and Color Distribution of Healthy Human Gingiva: a Prospective Clinical Study

The aim of this study is to compile a comprehensive database on color range and color distribution of healthy human gingiva by age, gender and ethnicity. Spectral reflection of keratinized gingiva at upper central incisors was measured by spectroradiometer and converted into CIELAB values. Lightness range (Delta L*) for all groups together was 26.8. Corresponding a* (green-red) and b* (blue-yellow) ranges (Delta a* and Delta b*) were 18.3 and 13.0. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded by age for L* and a* coordinates, by gender for b* coordinate, and by ethnicity for L*, a* and b* coordinates. R-2-values between color coordinates were 0.01 (L*/a*), 0.03 (L*/b*), and 0.12 (a*/b*). The smallest color differences were recorded between age groups 46-60 and 60 + (Delta E* = 0.9), and between Caucasians and Hispanics (Delta E* = 1.1). Color difference by gender was 1.3. When total L* a* b* ranges were divided into four equal segments, 51.7% of subjects had L* value within the third segment (from lightest to darkest), 47.1% had a* value within the third segment (from less red to redder), and 59.3% had b* value within the second segment (from less yellow to yellower). It was found that ethnicity and age had statistically significant influence on the color of human gingiva.