Gums

Structure and Characteristics of Gums

• The gums are part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth and surround the teeth, providing 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, but variations in color are possible due to factors such as thickness of the epithelium and natural pigmentation.
• Healthy gums have a smooth curved or scalloped contour, firm texture with surface stippling, and show no reaction to normal disturbance.

Marginal Gums

• The marginal gum is the edge of the gums surrounding the teeth, demarcated from the attached gums by a shallow linear depression.
• The depth of the groove varies according to the area of the oral cavity.
• The marginal gum follows the scalloped pattern established by the cementoenamel junction.
• It lacks stippling and is mobile or free from the underlying tooth surface.

Attached Gums

• The attached gums are continuous with the marginal gum and are firm, resilient, and tightly bound to the underlying bone.
• The width of the attached gum varies according to its location, and certain levels of attached gum are necessary for the stability of the underlying tooth root.
• Surface stippling may be present on the attached gum.

Interdental Gum

• The interdental gum lies between the teeth and occupies the gingival embrasure beneath the area of tooth contact.
• The interdental papilla can be pyramidal or have a col shape, with the col consisting of nonkeratinized marginal gum.
• The depth and width of the col vary depending on the contacting tooth surfaces, and it is mainly present in the posterior teeth.

Clinical Significance and Related Concepts

• Improper or insufficient oral hygiene can lead to gum and periodontal disorders, with gingivitis and periodontitis being major causes of tooth failure.
• Anabolic steroids are closely associated with gingival enlargement.
• Gingival recession may indicate underlying inflammation.
• The gingival cavity microecosystem can support the growth of harmful microorganisms.
• Related concepts include gum graft, head and neck anatomy, periodontitis, and dental sensitivity.

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