Article reprinted with the permission of DVM360 - Dec 02, 2016
DVM360 MAGAZINE is a copyrighted publication of Advanstar.
Communications inc. All rights reserved.
DENTISTRY
The ABCs of
Veterinary Dentistry:
"G" is for
Gingiva
As you are readily familiar, if this
vital oral tissue that protects
the teeth becomes inflamed, a
progressive and painful disease
can develop if not halted with
good dental care.
By Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD
The gingiva, or gum, is the keratinized oral mucosa
covering the alveolar processes of the jaws, encircling
the necks of erupted teeth (Figure 1). Gingivitis, or
inflammation of the gingiva, is the most common
disease in dogs and cats. When left unrecognized and
untreated, this inflammation can progress to tissue
swelling, bleeding and periodontal disease.
Marginal gingiva
The free gingival margin passively lies against the tooth
extending coronally from the free gingival groove. The inner
surface (next to the tooth) of the free gingiva forms the gingival
wall of the sulcus. The marginal gingiva extends from the free
gingival margin to the attached gingiva (Figure 2).
Gingival anatomy
Anatomically, the gingiva is divided into the marginal
and attached areas.
Figure 2
Attached gingiva
Figure 1. The gingiva above the maxillary incisors and canines in a dog.
(Photos courtesy of Dr. Jan Bellows)
Issue 02 | APRIL 2017 28
The attached gingiva extends apically from the free gingiva
to the alveolar mucosa. It is firmly bound to the underlying
cementum and bone with collagen fibers of the connective
tissue. Attached gingiva is keratinized to withstand the stress