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 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
Species Differences
Canine
- Some breeds of dog have dark gums, e.g. chow chow