What the study found
The study found that lingual attached gingiva, the band of gum tissue attached on the tongue side of the lower teeth, is widest around the molars and narrowest around the incisors in periodontally sound young adults. The authors also report no significant width differences between males and females.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that lingual attached gingiva has been relatively overlooked compared with buccal attached gingiva, the gum tissue on the cheek side of the teeth. They say the findings suggest this area deserves greater attention in periodontal research.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional observational study of 120 people aged 18 to 30 years who were periodontally sound. They located the mucogingival junction, the boundary between attached gum and movable tissue, using rolling probe and visual methods on mandibular teeth and measured width with a UNC-15 periodontal probe.
What worked and what didn't
The greatest average width of lingual attached gingiva was reported at the first and second molars, at 5.85 mm ± 1.26 mm, while the narrowest average width was around the incisors, at 1.08 mm ± 0.65 mm. The central incisor had the smallest band at 0.54 mm ± 0.54 mm, and the first molar had the widest band at 5.97 mm ± 1.3 mm; widths ranged from 0 mm to 10 mm, and no significant sex differences were observed.
What to keep in mind
The study sample was limited to 120 periodontally sound individuals aged 18 to 30 years, so the findings apply to that group. The abstract does not describe other limitations.
Key points
- Lingual attached gingiva was widest near the first and second molars.
- The narrowest lingual attached gingiva was found near the incisors.
- No significant difference in lingual attached gingiva width was seen between males and females.
- The study included 120 periodontally sound participants aged 18 to 30 years.
- The authors say lingual attached gingiva has been relatively overlooked in periodontal research.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Lingual attached gingiva is widest near molars and narrowest near incisors
- Authors:
- Om Nemichand Baghele, Vishnudas Bhandari, Nikita Vikasrao Palkar Palkar, Gauri Mahesh Ugale
- Institutions:
- Maharashtra Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Science and Research, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Science and Research, Mahatma Gandhi Mission's Dental College and Hospital
- Publication date:
- 2026-07-06
- DOI:
- W7127540426
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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