What is the meaning of Gingiva?
Gingiva is widely used term in Dental Anatomy.
Gingiva, also known as gums, refers to the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth in the oral cavity. The gingiva covers the alveolar bone, which houses the tooth roots, and acts as a protective barrier against external irritants and pathogens. The gingiva is made up of two main components: the free gingiva and the attached gingiva.
The free gingiva is the part of the gingiva that surrounds the tooth and forms the gingival sulcus, which is the space between the tooth surface and the free gingiva. It is often pink in color and can vary in thickness depending on oral health.
The attached gingiva is the section that is firmly bound to the underlying bone, providing stability and support to the teeth. It extends from the free gingiva to the mucogingival junction, which is the borderline between the gingiva and the inner lining of the cheeks and lips.
Maintaining healthy gingiva is crucial for overall oral health. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, is essential to prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, and ultimately, tooth loss.
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