Gums

The gums are the mucosal tissue that lies over the mandible and maxilla. They are also called gingiva. They surround the teeth and provide a seal around them.

Gums
Cross-section of a tooth with gums labeled
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Gingiva
MeSH	D005881
TA	A05.1.01.108 A03.1.03.003 A03.1.03.004
FMA	59762
Anatomical terminology

About of healthy gums

Color

Healthy gums are usually "coral pink." Other colors like red, white, and blue can mean there is a problem. Red gums mean that the patient has gingivitis, or the inflammation of the gum.

Shape

Healthy gums fill and fit each space between teeth.

Texture

Healthy gums are firm and do not move very much.

Reaction to disturbance

Healthy gums usually have no reaction to normal disturbance such as brushing.

Additional images

• 
  Mouth (oral cavity)
• 
  Mouth

Related pages

• Gum graft
• Head and neck anatomy
• Periodontitis

Other websites

• Periodontal disease Archived 2007-08-13 at the Wayback Machine