Abstract
The factors involved in melanin pigmentation in children's gingiva was examined. The subjects were 50 Japanese children aged 3−11 years, and their mothers, visiting the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Hiroshima University Hospital. They participated in this study after receiving sufficient informed consent. Melanin pigmentation was evaluated for darkness of the gingiva and the area of the coloration. Gingival darkness was categorized into four stages. The area of the coloration was categorized into five stages, according to a previous manuscript. Other factors examined for involvement in melanin pigmentation in the present study were : passive exposure to tobacco smoke, exposure of the maxillary gingiva during laughing (so-called gummy smile), suntan, color of hair, concentration of cotinine in the saliva, an unbalanced diet, oral breathing, age and sex.Statistical correlations were found between gingival darkness and suntan, color of hair, period of passive exposure to tobacco smoke, age and oral breathing. The area of gingival coloration correlated with suntan, color of hair and period of passive exposure to tobacco smoke.
