Periodontics › Foundations
Ageing and the Periodontium
High-yield revision notes with linked practice questions, written for dental students and candidates preparing for the ADC and other licensing examinations.
High-yield notes
With increase in age:
- keratinization of gingiva Decreases
- width of the attached gingiva Increases
- collagen fibre decreases
- elastic fibres increases
- there is increased in scalloping of the cementum
- number of the fibroblasts decreases
- stippling decreases
Practice questions
Select an option to check your answer. Answers are shown below each question.
With ageing, gingival connective tissue becomes
- AFine and thick
- BCoarse and dense
- CFirm and smooth
- DAll of the above
The increase in thickness of cementum with ageing is greater
- ACoronally
- BApically
- CLabially
- DAt midroot
Which of the following is a feature of aging periodontium?
- Aincreased keratinisation of gingiva
- Bdecrease in width of attached gingiva
- CIncrease in cell number and decrease in fiber content of periodontal ligament
- DScalloping of mineralised tissue
What is the effect of ageing on the width of attached gingiva?
- AIncreases
- BDecreases
- CFirst increases and then decrease
- DNeither increases nor decrease
Which of the following is not a significant risk factor for periodontal disease?
- ADiabetes
- BSmoking
- CAgeing
- DPoor oral hygiene
These notes are compiled from standard periodontology texts for study purposes. They are a revision aid, not a substitute for your own reading or current clinical guidelines. If you spot an error, please leave a comment.