The atomic term for a specific area of the gums called as sulcus. In dentistry, the tooth bone, tooth root, root skin and the gums together are known as a periodontium. Ideally, the gums begin at the enamel-root border. In other words, the gum connection lies at the juncture where the enamel merges into the root. In this gum attachment area, the gum rises and forms the sulcus. This is an area where the gum tissue is not connected to the tooth but is usually tightly attached to it. This gum attachment, called sulcus also continuously produces a secretion known as sulcus film, which provides a protective covering on the tooth enamel and reduces the risk of cavities in the area where the enamel meets the tooth root. The size of this gum connection can be anything between 0-3 mm in thickness and are sometimes clearly visible by the naked eye. It is known that healthy gums are pale pink, closely attached to the tooth, have a sulcus of about 0-3 mm in thickness and do not bleed during cleaning. At close range, healthy gums have a delicate pattern similar to an orange. Also, the crown or bridge edges should be located in the sulcus. Dark red swollen gums are usually afflicted with gingivitis and should be immediately checked at by a dentist and treated accordingly. http://www.checkdent.com

• published: 28 Nov 2013
• views: 16