Dental Anatomy: Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingiva and Periodontium

• Gingiva: the gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth
• Gingivitis: inflammation of the gingiva
• Gingivectomy: a surgical procedure to remove inflamed gum tissue
• Attached to the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth
• Periodontium: the supportive tissue surrounding the teeth, including gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum
• Periodontitis: inflammation of the entire periodontium, leading to tooth loss
• Surrounding the teeth, including gingiva and alveolar bone

Mucosa and Anatomical Boundaries

• Mucosa: a moist lining tissue found in various parts of the body, including the inside of the mouth
• Lines the inside of the mouth (cheeks, lips, floor of the mouth)
• Mucogingival Junction: the boundary area where the lining mucosa transitions into the firmer gum tissue (gingiva)
• Border between the movable lining mucosa and the fixed gum tissue (gingiva) around the teeth

Dental Anatomy

• Alveolar Bone: the bony socket in the jaw that supports the teeth
• Surrounds the roots of the teeth
• Sulcus: a shallow space between the tooth and the gingiva
• Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ): the joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull
• On each side of the head, just in front of the ear
• Uvula: a small, fleshy projection hanging from the back of the soft palate
• Back of the roof of the mouth
• Tonsils: two pads of tissue at the back of the throat, one on each side
• Back of the throat on either side
• Frenum: a small fold of tissue that connects the lip, tongue, or cheek to the gum tissue
• Varies depending on the specific frenum (e.g., labial frenum connects upper lip to gum)

Dental Conditions and Terms

• Caries: tooth decay
• Halitosis: bad breath
• Xerostomia: dry mouth
• Restorations: fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures - replaced or repaired tooth structures
• Calculus (Tartar): hardened plaque buildup on teeth
• Plaque: sticky film of bacteria on teeth
• Exfoliation: the natural shedding of the outer layer of skin
• Eruption: the process of a tooth emerging from the gum tissue
• Impaction: a tooth that is stuck and unable to erupt completely

Anatomical Terms

• Anterior: towards the front of the mouth (incisors and canines)
• Posterior: towards the back of the mouth (premolars and molars)
• Lateral: to the side
• Dorsal: upper surface (typically not used for the mouth)
• Superior: upper
• Inferior: lower