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Aging
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Ainamo, A., J. Ainamo, and R. Poikkeus. Continuous Widening of the Band of
Attached Gingiva from 23-65 Years of Age.
Purpose
To examine whether alveolar growth continues to result in an increase in the CEJ- MGJ dimension after age 43.
Methods and Materials
- Subjects from a previous study were compared to a group of 42 elderly persons.
- The groups of subjects compared were:
a. 20 males and 20 females (23y/o)
b. 20 males and 20 females (43y/o)
c. 21 males (65.7 y/o) and 21 females (64.5y/0)
- The MGJ revealed with Schillers iodine solution, and marked with a metal wire that was attached to the teeth.
- Orthopantomograms were taken.
- Distances were measured from the radiograph:
a. From the Max MGJ to the bottom of the nasal cavity, and to the CEJ along the long axis of each tooth.
b. From the mandible (lower border) to the MGJ and from MGJ to the CEJ.
Results
- No difference in the width of the attached gingiva was observed between males and females in the 65 y/o group.
- The vertical measurement of the band of attached gingiva was statistically significant greater in the 65y/o group than in the 23y/o. Also statistically significant greater in the 65y/o group than the 43y/0 group.
- When comparing all groups, no difference was found in the distance from, the mandibular MGJ to the lower bordr of the mandible. The distance was found to be greater in males than in females in all age groups.
- The main distance from the MGJ to the bottom of the nasal cavity for the posterior teeth was significantly greater in the males of the oldest group than in the males in the younger groups. Among the females the only significant difference was found at the 1st Max. molar where it was greater in the older females.
- The distance from the bottom of the nasal cavity to the MGJ was not found to differ between sexes at the age of 23. At 43 the distance seemed greater at the anterior teeth of the 43y/o males. At 65 the measurement was statistically significant greater in males than in females for all teeth.
Discussion
The band of the attached gingiva may continue to increase in width after 43 years of age. Unless there is reduction in height of gingiva, the 65y/o can be expected to have more keratinized gingiva than the average 43y/o. The distance between the CEJ and MGJ seems to increase more slowly between 23 and 43 years of age.
Conclusion
In the absence of gingival recession, the width of keratinized gingiva can be expected to increase from 23 to 43 years of age and further, although at a slightly slower rate from 43 to 65 years of age.
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