Gums, also known as gingiva, are the soft tissues lining the inside of the mouth that surround and protect the teeth. This specialized mucous membrane covers the alveolar processes—the parts of the jawbones (maxilla and mandible) that hold the tooth sockets. Gums form a protective seal around the neck of each tooth, acting as a barrier against bacteria and supporting the stability of the oral structure.
The Anatomy and Role of Gum Tissue
The gum tissue is a dense, fibrous lining that is firmly bound to the underlying bone. The gingival margin, or free gingiva, is the narrow, unattached collar of tissue that wraps around the tooth crown. This margin forms the gingival sulcus, a shallow space between the gum and the tooth surface.
Extending downward from the free gingiva is the attached gingiva, which is firmly connected to the underlying alveolar bone and the tooth root. This attached portion provides the resilience needed to withstand the friction from eating and speaking.
The primary function of this tissue is to serve as a biological barrier, preventing oral bacteria from reaching the deeper structures that support the tooth. These deeper structures, collectively known as the periodontium, include the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. Healthy gums maintain a tight junction around the tooth, protecting the tooth root and jawbone from infection.
Identifying Healthy vs. Unhealthy Gums
Healthy gums are characterized by low inflammation and proper attachment. Their color is typically a uniform pale pink or coral, though natural pigmentation may cause a slightly darker color depending on ethnicity. The tissue should feel firm and resilient, fitting snugly around the base of the tooth with a scalloped appearance.
A healthy texture may also display a dimpled surface, referred to as stippling, which resembles the surface of an orange peel. A reliable sign of health is the absence of bleeding when brushing, flossing, or gently probing the gum line.
Unhealthy gums display immediate signs of inflammation. The tissue often changes color from pale pink to a darker red or purplish hue, signifying increased blood flow. Swelling (edema) causes the gums to look puffy and rounded, particularly along the gingival margin.
Unhealthy tissue is tender and may bleed easily, even with light brushing. A concerning sign is gingival recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, making the tooth look longer. This recession exposes the root surface and indicates that the underlying support structure may be compromised.
Understanding Common Gum Diseases
The most common gum diseases are stages of a progression initiated by the buildup of bacterial plaque on the teeth and at the gum line. If plaque is not adequately removed, it hardens into calculus (tartar), which harbors more bacteria and irritates the gum tissue. This irritation triggers an inflammatory response that defines the initial stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis is limited to the inflammation of the gum tissue without affecting the deeper bone and ligament structures. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding, but this stage is reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to the more severe condition called periodontitis. In periodontitis, chronic inflammation spreads deeper, causing the gum to pull away from the tooth and forming pockets that collect more bacteria.
The body’s immune response to this infection begins to destroy the periodontal ligament and the underlying alveolar bone that anchors the tooth. The damage caused by periodontitis is not reversible; the lost bone and tissue attachment cannot regenerate naturally. This destruction leads to symptoms like persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss if the disease is not managed. Treatment focuses on halting the progression of the disease and preventing further loss of support.