Gingiva

Gingiva wrap around the neck of each tooth forming the gums. The gums are useful clinically in assessing health status of an animal.

Structure and Function of the Gingiva

• Mucosal tissue over alveolar bone

• Resist friction of food during mastication by being tightly bound to the underlying bone

• Recede with age exposing cervical part of tooth

• Usually salmon pink in healthy animals

• Colour change indicates pathology

• Stratified squamous epithelium, some keratinisation

Labiogingival groove

Labiogingival Groove Histology - Copyright RVC 2008

Labiogingival Groove is the junction between the labial border and gingival line on distal/medial surface of the incisor teeth.

Vasculature and Innervation of the Gingiva

• Superior and inferior alveolar arteries

• Blood vessels in the dental pulp cavity and a single branch in each major elevation of the crown

• From trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Gingival Landmarks

Attached gingiva

Mucogingival junction

Free gingiva

Gingival sulcus

Junctional epithelium

Cemento-enamel junction

Interdental papilla

Species Differences

Canine

• Some breeds of dog have dark gums, e.g. chow chow