Changes in Patient-Reported Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem Following Gingival Depigmentation: A Questionnaire-Based Pre-post Study
- 1Department of Periodontology, K M Shah Dental College and Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, IND
- 2Department of Periodontology, K M Shah Dental College and Hospital, Sumandeep VIdyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, IND
Abstract
Background and objective A smile is an essential aspect of facial aesthetics, with the gingiva playing a vital role, as its color and pigmentation significantly impact the overall aesthetic appearance. Gingival pigmentation can shape an individual's view of gingival aesthetics, and when perceived as undesirable, it may affect psychosocial aspects such as self-esteem and self-confidence. This study aimed to assess the self-confidence and self-esteem levels prior to and following the depigmentation procedure, as well as their correlation with the clinical Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI). Materials and methods Forty participants with gingival hyperpigmentation were selected from the outpatient department. A gingival depigmentation procedure was performed. An investigator-developed questionnaire with eight paired questions, each asked twice, was used to evaluate self-confidence and self-esteem levels before and one month after surgery and the association with the DOPI. Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square test were utilized for statistical analysis. Results Before depigmentation, 82.5% of participants reported being stared at, while 100% experienced self-consciousness, hesitation about displaying their gums, and reduced confidence; 70% reported offensive remarks and related unhappiness. Following depigmentation, these concerns were reduced to 0%, with significant improvements in self-confidence and self-esteem (p < 0.001). A notable correlation was found between the clinical DOPI score and both smile confidence and levels of self-esteem (χ² = 80, df = 2, p < 0.001). Conclusions Greater emphasis should be placed on aesthetic procedures such as gingival depigmentation, as they considerably affect individuals' self-esteem and self-confidence. Advancements in such aesthetic treatments go beyond merely enhancing outer beauty; they play a decisive role in nurturing inner confidence and empowerment.
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BibTeX
@article{gupte2026changes,
title = {{Changes in Patient-Reported Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem Following Gingival Depigmentation: A Questionnaire-Based Pre-post Study}},
author = {Manali Gupte and Jasuma Rai and Monali Shah and Riddhika R Kochar and Heet Gada and Sakshi R Shah},
journal = {Cureus},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.7759/cureus.117109},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13717136},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Changes in Patient-Reported Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem Following Gingival Depigmentation: A Questionnaire-Based Pre-post Study
AU - Manali Gupte
AU - Jasuma Rai
AU - Monali Shah
AU - Riddhika R Kochar
AU - Heet Gada
AU - Sakshi R Shah
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/28
JO - Cureus
DO - 10.7759/cureus.117109
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13717136
AB - Background and objective A smile is an essential aspect of facial aesthetics, with the gingiva playing a vital role, as its color and pigmentation significantly impact the overall aesthetic appearance. Gingival pigmentation can shape an individual's view of gingival aesthetics, and when perceived as undesirable, it may affect psychosocial aspects such as self-esteem and self-confidence. This study aimed to assess the self-confidence and self-esteem levels prior to and following the depigmentation procedure, as well as their correlation with the clinical Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI). Materials and methods Forty participants with gingival hyperpigmentation were selected from the outpatient department. A gingival depigmentation procedure was performed. An investigator-developed questionnaire with eight paired questions, each asked twice, was used to evaluate self-confidence and self-esteem levels before and one month after surgery and the association with the DOPI. Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square test were utilized for statistical analysis. Results Before depigmentation, 82.5% of participants reported being stared at, while 100% experienced self-consciousness, hesitation about displaying their gums, and reduced confidence; 70% reported offensive remarks and related unhappiness. Following depigmentation, these concerns were reduced to 0%, with significant improvements in self-confidence and self-esteem (p < 0.001). A notable correlation was found between the clinical DOPI score and both smile confidence and levels of self-esteem (χ² = 80, df = 2, p < 0.001). Conclusions Greater emphasis should be placed on aesthetic procedures such as gingival depigmentation, as they considerably affect individuals' self-esteem and self-confidence. Advancements in such aesthetic treatments go beyond merely enhancing outer beauty; they play a decisive role in nurturing inner confidence and empowerment.
SN - 2168-8184
ER -