Gingiva

Gingiva is the clinical term for the gum tissue that surrounds the necks of the teeth and covers the alveolar bone. Healthy gingiva is typically coral pink (though pigmentation varies naturally among individuals), firm to the touch, and stippled in texture, somewhat like the surface of an orange peel. Most importantly, healthy gingiva does not bleed when you brush, floss, or during a dental cleaning.

The gingiva serves as a critical barrier between the oral environment and the underlying bone and ligaments that hold teeth in place. When plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, the gingiva becomes inflamed, a condition called gingivitis. Signs include redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding. If caught early, gingivitis is fully reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings. If it is not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection extends deeper and begins destroying the bone supporting the teeth.

For dental practices, evaluating the gingiva is a fundamental part of every exam and hygiene visit. Probing depths, bleeding on probing, recession, and tissue color and texture should all be assessed and documented. This information drives treatment decisions, from whether a patient needs a standard prophylaxis or scaling and root planing, to whether a referral to a periodontist is warranted. Educating patients that bleeding gums are not normal, despite how common they are, is one of the most impactful things a hygiene team can do.