Objective:To observe the gingival color of healthy Han nationality in Shanghai,so as to discuss the gingival color distribution and its influencing factors.Methods: The Chroma Meter CR-321 was used to obtain the CIE-1976-L*a*b* value in predefined testing spots of gingiva in healthy Han nationality in Shanghai.The gingival color distribution and the influences of age,sex on the gingival color were summarized.Results: We found that the L* values of attached gingiva of the median line(P=0.006 1),free gingiva of central incisor(P=0.032 4),attached gingiva in the root of central incisor (P=0.029 7),and distal incisor attached gingiva (P=0.032 4) in the female were significantly higher than those in the male; the a* b* values in attached gingiva of median line (P=0.008 3,P=0.002 0) were significantly higher than those in male; and the other a* ,b* values were similar between the males and females.The color difference ΔE between free gingiva and attached gingiva was > 2 (P<0.01) .ΔL*2 had the greatest influence on ΔE,with the standardized regression coefficient being b’=0.882 16,followed by Δa*2 and Δb*2 in order,with b’ being 0.230 97 and 0.066 32,respectively.L*,a*,and b* values had no obvious relation to age.Conclusion: It is indicated that sex and age have little influence on the color of gingiva in Han nationality in Shanghai.Obvious color difference exists between the free gingiva and the attatched gingiva.