Congenital grooves and cervical enamel projections on the teeth and their relation to periodontal status

Background: Periodontitis is primarily a dental plaque induced inflammatory disease, local factors that facilitate the accumulation of bacteria may contribute to the progression of the disease. Periodontal disease is not a single entity nor is there a single causative factor that elicits a consistent periodontal response. Dental abnormalities such as palatal grooves and cervical enamel projections (CEPs) can act as a predisposing factor to the initiation of localized periodontal destruction. Objectives: 1. To evaluate the presence of developmental grooves and CEP in the anterior and posterior teeth. 2. To study their relationship to periodontal health. Methodology: The study included 1700 subjects of both genders. The presence of palatal grooves and CEPs were detected by visual perception and the suspected area was probed to measure the depth of the groove or enamel extension. The periodontal condition of the area was also examined and the statistical analysis was performed. Results: The prevalence rate of palatal grooves on the central incisor and lateral incisor was 1.8% and 9% respectively while 1.1% had enamel extensions on the molar teeth, all of which were associated with gingivitis or periodontitis. Conclusion: Grooves and projections in the cervical area caused increased plaque accumulation and might be considered a secondary etiological factor in periodontal breakdown and hence should be taken into consideration during periodontal examination and therapy.