The gingiva (sing.: gingiva), or gums, consists of the mucosal tissue that lays over the jawbone. Gingiva is considered an extension of the skin, which have become mucous membranes.

The gingiva are naturally transparent; they are rendered red in color because of the blood flowing through them. The gingiva are connected to the teeth and bone by way of the periodontal fibers (also known as PDL fibers). The gingiva are one of the four components of the periodontium or PDL, the other three being the cementum (outermost layer of cells of the roots of teeth), the bone and the PDL fibers. The gingival cavity microecosystem, fuelled by food residues and saliva, can support the growth of many microorganisms, of which some can be injurious to health. Improper or insufficient oral hygiene can thus lead to many gingival and periodontal disorders, including gingivitis or pyorrhea, which are major causes for tooth failure. Recent studies have also shown that Anabolic steroids are also closely associated with gingival enlargement requiring a gingivectomy for many cases.^*

Dentistry | Mouth

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