The tissues which surround the teeth are collectively called the periodontum. Although a number of components of the periodontum have been defined, they do not work in isolation as each part is important in overall function. One of these major components, the gingiva (or gums) is a soft, mucosa-type tissue held firmly around each individual tooth carrying out two main functions:1. Providing structural support to the teeth during the stress of mechanical processes
2. Providing protection to the underlying layers of bone and connective tissue from infectious bacteria that can be found in the mouth(1).
However, with a more in-depth consideration, this simple definition of gingival tissue becomes increasingly complex. The gingival tissues can be divided and categorized using several different classifications:
Its position in relation to the tooth
In general, the gingival tissues, based on their position around the tooth can be divided into two categories:
· Free (or unattached) Gingiva
· Attached Gingiva
Free Gingiva (B)
In general, the gingival tissues, based on their position around the tooth can be divided into two categories:
· Free (or unattached) Gingiva
· Attached Gingiva
Free Gingiva (B)
This is the gingival tissue that is found surrounding the tooth where it surfaces. This tissue is not directly connected or attached to the tooth or other bone in the jaw, and is lies on the crown, about 1 to 1.2 mm (2). This creates a small gap between the gum and the tooth, called the gingival crevice, or gingival sulcus.
Without any scientific knowledge, many people can relate to this small crevice which is where food that gets stuck remains…no matter how hard you try to get that stubborn popcorn out!!
Attached Gingiva (D)
Without any scientific knowledge, many people can relate to this small crevice which is where food that gets stuck remains…no matter how hard you try to get that stubborn popcorn out!!
Attached Gingiva (D)
This crevice then leads to the attached gingiva. As its name suggests it is firmly attached to the underlying bone which makes up the tooth and jaw, called the alveolar process. This bone is composed of a matrix of spongy bone trabecullae and cortical bone plates (1).
Its position in the mouth
This divides the gingiva into two categories: (3)
· Labial Maxillary Gingiva: tissues which surround the teeth of the upper jaw
· Labial Mandibular Gingiva: tissues which surround the teeth of the lower jaw
· Labial Maxillary Gingiva: tissues which surround the teeth of the upper jaw
· Labial Mandibular Gingiva: tissues which surround the teeth of the lower jaw
