Several types of gingival phenotype can be diagnosed in the general population and their evaluation is an essential clinical criterion in periodontal practice, whether the periodontal therapies are preventive or curative, non-surgical or surgical. Moreover, several authors have shown that the gingival phenotype varies from one dental sector to another, hence the interest of a meticulous and targeted diagnostic approach in relation to the established therapeutic objectives. To date, the gingival phenotype has been not studied extensively in the mandibular incisal area. Therefore, it seems relevant to conduct an observational cross-sectional study on a cohort of patients in good general health and with a healthy and intact periodontium to assess the prevalence of the gingival phenotype in this area. The secondary objective is to highlight the associated intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for thin gingival phenotype, to anticipate a risk of gingival recession and to propose an early personal therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age (18 years old or older)
• dental student on the university hospital of Nice
• social security affiliate
• systemically healthy
• healthy and intact periodontium
• informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• under any regular medical treatment
• active periodontal disease
• presence of plaque
• enduring orthodontic treatment
• periodontal surgery in the mandibulary anterior region
• non consent patient
• patient under judgment trials.

Dental student with healthy and intact periodontium