Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gingival phenotypes and evaluate their association with gingival recession among patients attending a university dental clinic in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 patients aged 14 years and older attending the dental clinics of Qassim University. Gingival phenotype was assessed using the probing transparency method, and gingival recession was evaluated using a periodontal probe and classified according to Miller’s classification. Demographic data were recorded.
Results: Thin gingival phenotype was observed in 71.3% of participants, while 28.7% exhibited a thick phenotype. Gingival recession was present in 16.0% of the study population, predominantly Miller Class I. No statistically significant association was found between gingival phenotype and gingival recession. However, a significant association was observed between gender and gingival recession, with males showing a higher prevalence. Mean age did not differ significantly between phenotype groups.
Conclusion: Thin gingival phenotype was predominant in the studied population, but was not significantly associated with gingival recession. Male gender was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of gingival recession. These findings highlighted the importance of comprehensive periodontal assessment beyond gingival phenotype alone.

Key words: Gingival phenotype, gingival recession, gingival thickness, Miller classification, periodontal assessment.