Structure and Characteristics of Gums - Gums are part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth. - They surround the teeth and provide a seal around them. - Most of the gums are tightly bound to the underlying bone. - Healthy gums are usually coral pink in light-skinned people. - Changes in color, swelling, and bleeding suggest inflammation. - Marginal gums are the edge of the gums surrounding the teeth. - The marginal gum varies in width from 0.5 to 2.0mm. - It follows the scalloped pattern established by the cementoenamel junction. - The marginal gum lacks stippling and is mobile or free from the tooth surface. - Attached gums are continuous with the marginal gum. - They are firm, resilient, and tightly bound to the underlying bone. - The width of the attached gum varies according to its location. - The greatest width is in the incisor region. - Certain levels of attached gum are necessary for the stability of the tooth root. - The interdental gum lies between the teeth. - It occupies the gingival embrasure beneath the area of tooth contact. - The interdental papilla can be pyramidal or have a col shape. - The col varies in depth and width depending on the tooth surfaces. - The col is mainly present in the broad interdental gingiva of posterior teeth. - Healthy gums usually have a smooth curved or scalloped contour. - They have a firm texture with surface stippling. - Healthy gums usually have a coral pink color. - Other colors like red, white, and blue can signify inflammation or pathology. - Variation in color is possible due to various factors. - Excess melanin can cause dark spots or patches on the gums. - Gum depigmentation is a procedure used to remove discolorations. - Uniformity of color is more important than the underlying color itself. - Healthy gums have a smooth curved or scalloped appearance. - They fill and fit each space between the teeth. - Healthy gums hold tight to each tooth at the free gingival margin. - Inflamed gums have a puffy or rolled margin. - Healthy gums have a knife-edge thin gum surface at the free gingival margin. - Healthy gums have a firm texture resistant to movement. - The surface texture often exhibits surface stippling. - Unhealthy gums are often swollen and less firm. - Healthy gums have an orange-peel like texture due to the stippling. - Unhealthy gums have a different texture due to inflammation. - Healthy gums usually have no reaction to normal disturbance. - Unhealthy gums show bleeding on probing or purulent exudate. - Healthy gums are stable and do not bleed during brushing. - Unhealthy gums may bleed or show pus when disturbed. - Healthy gums have a normal response to periodontal probing.

Clinical Significance of Gums - Improper or insufficient oral hygiene can lead to gum and periodontal disorders. - Gingivitis and periodontitis are major causes of tooth failure. - Anabolic steroids are associated with gingival enlargement. - Gingival recession may indicate underlying inflammation. - The gingival cavity microecosystem can support the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Related Topics - Medicine portal - Gum graft - Head and neck anatomy - Periodontitis

References - Gum disease opens up the body to a host of infections (Science News, April 6, 2016) - Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy (Bath-Balogh and Fehrenbach, Elsevier, 2011, page 123) - Mosbys Medical Dictionary, 8th edition (2009, Elsevier) - Gingival Recession - Causes and treatment (JADA, Vol 138, Oct 2007, American Dental Association) - Dental sensitivity (mexicodentaldirectory.com, Retrieved on August 2010)

External Links - Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gums - Capnocytophaga sp. - Preston D. Miller - Willoughby D. Miller - Carl E. Misch - John Mankey Riggs - Jay Seibert - Jørgen Slots - Paul Roscoe Stillman - Dennis P. Tarnow