Teeth with a thin gingival phenotype are more susceptible to all EXCEPT which one of the following?

• A. Periodontal abscess formation
• B. Gingival recession
• C. Root caries
• D. Increased plaque accumulation

Answer: (A)

A thin gingival phenotype means the tissue is delicate and less robust, so it’s more prone to recession when challenged by inflammation or trauma. When the gum border recedes, exposed root surfaces become vulnerable, increasing the risk of root caries. That same reduced tissue robustness and poorer seal can also make oral hygiene more challenging in the affected areas, contributing to plaque accumulation and ongoing periodontal inflammation.

Periodontal abscess formation, on the other hand, is driven mainly by acute infection within a periodontal pocket, drainage issues, or other factors of infection and occlusal or anatomy-related problems rather than simply by the thickness of the gingiva. So while recession and root caries (and sometimes maintenance challenges leading to more plaque) are directly linked to a thin biotype, abscess formation is not a direct consequence of tissue thickness, making it the exception.