A longitudinal study of gingivitis and puberty

Abstract

A longitudinal study of 127 children between the ages of 11 and 17 years revealed a high initial prevalence of gingivitis that tended to decline slightly with age. The distribution of the ages of the children when experiencing their observed maximum amount of gingivitis was consistent with the hypothesis that there is a relationship between puberty and gingivitis. There was also evidence that at the time of the peak gingivitis experience the gingival tissues were exhibiting a heightened response to irritation.

The Influence of Sex Steroid Hormones on Gingiva of Women

“…A peak prevalence of gingivitis has been determined at 12 years, 10 months in females and 13 years, 7 months in males, which is consistent with the onset of puberty [40]. This increase is believed to be related, at least in part, to an alteration in the subgingival microflora.…”

Sex Steroid Hormones and Cell Dynamics in the Periodontium

“…Therefore, it is not surprising that the majority of clinical observations were derived from women at various times in their life. pubertal age individuals of both sexes, but data were not available on the pubertal status of the individuals (Parfitt, 1957;Sutcliffe, 1972;Hefti et al, 1981). Sutcliffe (1972) examined 127 school age children in a 6-year longitudinal study and found an abrupt and transitory increase in the incidence of gingivitis without a change in plaque levels.…”

“…pubertal age individuals of both sexes, but data were not available on the pubertal status of the individuals (Parfitt, 1957;Sutcliffe, 1972;Hefti et al, 1981). Sutcliffe (1972) examined 127 school age children in a 6-year longitudinal study and found an abrupt and transitory increase in the incidence of gingivitis without a change in plaque levels. The mean age at which girls and boys reached their maximum gingivitis experience was 12 years and 10 months and 13 years and 7 months, respectively.…”

“…Epidemiological data have shown that gingivitis in children is a ubiquitous condition (Sutcliffe, 1972;Hefti, 1981;Cutress, 1986). It has been hypothesized that the incidence and severity of gingivitis in childhood is influenced by plaque levels, dental caries, mouth breathing, crowding of the teeth, tooth eruption, and puberty.…”

The Cardiff dental survey: oral hygiene and gingival health between the ages of 11-12 and 30-31 years

“…18 The evidence linking gingivitis with puberty is, however, equivocal. In a previous longitudinal study of ado lescents aged 11-17 years, 19 a dramatic increase in gingivitis, not accompanied by similar changes in oral hygiene, occurred around puberty. It was suggested that this represented an increased tissue response to local factors, linked to the hormo nal changes occurring at this time.…”