The study of gingival color is essential for the development of better shades for denture bases. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the color distribution of gingivae around natural maxillary central incisors. Methods: The gingival color of the central incisors of 102 volunteer subjects from the Boston area with diverse ethnic backgrounds and age (14 to 66 years old) was measured by use of a spectrophotometer MSC-2000 (Olympus, Japan). The CIE color coordinates L*, a* and b* in 3 incremental areas (each 1mm height and 3mm width) from the marginal gingivae toward the attached gingivae were determined. The color difference dE between area 1 and other 2 areas were calculated. Color coordinates and dE values obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and Sheffes multiple comparison test.: Results:   Mean, SD, and ranges for L*, a*, and b* are listed in the table:

	Area 1	Area 2	Area 3
L*	55.74 ± 4.09 (65.4-45.3)	51.98 ± 5.19 (63.5-40.4)	45.46 ± 5.66 (58.8-30.8)
a*	14.87 ± 2.65 (22.6-9.4)	17.26 ± 2.71 (23.1-8.4)	17.28 ± 2.86 (23.6-9.3)
b*	13.64 ± 1.89 (18.2-8.48 )	12.41 ± 1.72 (16.4-8.32 )	11.29 ± 1.89 (15.3-4.6)

The mean values of L* and b* decreased from the marginal gngivae toward the attached gingivae. In contrast the mean a* values increased. There were statistical differences (p<0.01) among 3 incremental areas for L*, a* and b*. The mean color difference between area 1 and 2 was 5.43 ± 2.8 (14.7-1.2), and between area 1 and 3: 11.34  ±  4.1 (22.9-1.9) .  Conclusion: Gingival color varied among 3 areas tested. There was a strong color gradation from the marginal gingivae toward the attached gingivae with visibly distinguishable dE values.

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