Correlation of the intensity of gingival melanin pigmentation with gingival inflammation

Abstract

Melanin is a non-haemoglobin derived pigment formed by melanocytes, which are dendritic cells of neuroectodermal origin and located in the basal and spinous layers of the gingival epithelium. It is known that as a course of inflammation, free radicals are released which cause oxidative stress. Oral mucosal melanin has been shown to act as a defense barrier, thereby preventing oxidative stress by scavenging antioxidants. Thus, the aim of the present study was to correlate the intensity of gingival melanin pigmentation with the severity of gingival inflammation. Materials and methods: A total of 100 subjects with brownish to dark skin complexion between the age group of 18 to 60 were selected and were categorized as Group A (50 subjects) and Group B (50 subjects). Group A comprised of subjects with healthy gingiva and Group B comprised of subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis. The intensity of gingival melanin pigmentation was recorded using the Dummet-Gupta gingival melanin pigmentation index, and the severity of gingival inflammation was evaluated by the gingival index. Results: In Group B patients, the melanin pigmentation and gingival index scores showed a statistically significant weak inverse relationship between severity of gingivitis and level of melanin pigmentation.Conclusion: There is a correlation between the intensity of the gingival melanin pigmentation and gingival inflammation, thus suggesting that gingival melanin pigmentation has a protective role against gingival inflammation.