Gingival pigmentation: A review of literature

Abstract

A beautiful smile surely enhances the individual’s self-confidence. The harmony of smile is attributable to the shape, colour, and position of the teeth in conjunction with the gingival tissue. Gingival pigmentation occurs in all races of man and it varies from one race to another. It results from melanin granules which are produced by melanoblasts. Excessive gingival pigmentation is considered as a one of the major esthetic concern for many patients. This article aims at reviewing briefly about melanin synthesis and classification, indices and etiology of gingival pigmentation.