Exploring the periodontal phenotype of Uygur adults in Xinjiang, China

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of thin and thick periodontal phenotypes in a sample of Uygur adults in Xinjiang, China, and their correlation with clinical parameters. A total of 50 healthy Uygur adult volunteers in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, were recruited. Gingival thickness (GT) and labial alveolar bone thickness (BT) were measured using CBCT at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) level and at 1 mm below the alveolar crest, respectively. Additionally, the width of the keratinized gingiva (KGW) was measured using a periodontal probe. The crown width/length ratio (CW/CL), gingival papilla height (PH), and gingival curve (GC) were measured on a plaster model. Finally, correlations between parameters of the periodontal phenotype were analyzed. The mean GT of maxillary anterior teeth in the Uygur adults was 1.34 ± 0.30, with 85.3% having a thick gingival phenotype and the remaining 14.7% exhibiting a thin gingival phenotype. Additionally, the mean GT was 1.43 ± 0.21 for thick gingiva (≥ 1 mm) and 0.81 ± 0.08 for thin gingiva (< 1 mm). Significant differences in GT, BT, CW/CL, PH, and GC were noted between thin and thick gingival phenotypes (P < 0.05). Lastly, GT showed a strong positive correlation with CW/CL and GC (R > 0.8), a negative correlation with PH (R = -0.8022), and a moderate correlation with BT and KGW (0.80 > R > 0.30). In the current sample, a thicker gingival phenotype was more prevalent among Uygur adults. Additionally, gingival thickness showed a certain correlation with the assessed periodontal characteristics.