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== Stippling (Dentistry) ==
{{Short description|An overview of stippling in dentistry}}


[[Stippling (dentistry)|Stippling]] is a term used in [[dentistry]] to describe the appearance of the [[gingiva]] (or gums), when it has the aspect of an orange peel. It is a sign of health, indicating the presence of the connective tissue and collagen in the gums.  
==Stippling in Dentistry==
[[File:Stippling_SSF.jpg|thumb|right|Stippling of the gingiva as seen in a clinical examination.]]
Stippling in dentistry refers to the appearance of the gingiva, or gums, which can exhibit a textured surface similar to the skin of an orange peel. This characteristic is considered a sign of healthy gingiva and is often evaluated during dental examinations.


== Overview ==
==Anatomy of the Gingiva==
The [[gingiva]] is the part of the oral mucosa that covers the alveolar processes of the jaws and surrounds the necks of the teeth. It is divided into the free gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental gingiva. The attached gingiva is where stippling is most commonly observed.


Stippling is not present in all individuals and its absence does not necessarily indicate an unhealthy condition. It is usually seen in the attached and interdental gingiva, and rarely in the marginal gingiva. The degree of stippling varies from person to person and from one area of the mouth to another.  
===Free Gingiva===
The free gingiva is the portion of the gingiva that surrounds the tooth and is not directly attached to the tooth surface. It forms the soft tissue wall of the [[gingival sulcus]].


== Clinical Significance ==
===Attached Gingiva===
The attached gingiva is firmly bound to the underlying bone and is keratinized. It is this area that often exhibits stippling, which is a sign of healthy gingival tissue.


Stippling is often used as an indicator of [[gum health]]. The presence of stippling is a sign of a healthy and firm gingiva with good [[connective tissue]] attachment. However, the absence of stippling does not necessarily indicate disease or ill health. It may be absent in cases of inflammation, swelling, or smooth enlargement of the gingiva.  
===Interdental Gingiva===
The interdental gingiva occupies the space beneath the area of tooth contact and is also known as the gingival papilla.


== Causes ==
==Causes of Stippling==
Stippling is caused by the presence of connective tissue projections within the gingiva. These projections create a dimpled appearance on the surface of the gingiva. The degree of stippling can vary among individuals and is influenced by factors such as age, gingival health, and genetic predisposition.


Stippling occurs due to the contraction of the fibres in the connective tissue of the gingiva. This contraction creates depressions on the surface of the gingiva, giving it an orange peel appearance. Factors that may affect the presence or absence of stippling include age, plaque control, and systemic health.
==Clinical Significance==
Stippling is often used as an indicator of gingival health. Healthy gingiva typically exhibits a firm texture and stippled appearance. A lack of stippling may indicate gingival inflammation or other periodontal issues. However, the absence of stippling is not always indicative of disease, as some individuals naturally have non-stippled gingiva.


== Examination ==
==Related pages==
 
* [[Gingivitis]]
During a dental examination, the dentist may check for the presence of stippling as part of the assessment of gum health. This is usually done through visual inspection and palpation.
* [[Periodontitis]]
 
== See Also ==
 
* [[Gingiva]]
* [[Dentistry]]
* [[Oral hygiene]]
* [[Oral hygiene]]
* [[Periodontal disease]]
* [[Dental plaque]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
== External Links ==
 
* [http://www.ada.org American Dental Association]


[[Category:Dentistry]]
[[Category:Dentistry]]
[[Category:Oral hygiene]]
[[Category:Periodontology]]
{{anatomy-stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:54, 15 February 2025

An overview of stippling in dentistry


Stippling in Dentistry[edit]

File:Stippling SSF.jpg
Stippling of the gingiva as seen in a clinical examination.

Stippling in dentistry refers to the appearance of the gingiva, or gums, which can exhibit a textured surface similar to the skin of an orange peel. This characteristic is considered a sign of healthy gingiva and is often evaluated during dental examinations.

Anatomy of the Gingiva[edit]

The gingiva is the part of the oral mucosa that covers the alveolar processes of the jaws and surrounds the necks of the teeth. It is divided into the free gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental gingiva. The attached gingiva is where stippling is most commonly observed.

Free Gingiva[edit]

The free gingiva is the portion of the gingiva that surrounds the tooth and is not directly attached to the tooth surface. It forms the soft tissue wall of the gingival sulcus.

Attached Gingiva[edit]

The attached gingiva is firmly bound to the underlying bone and is keratinized. It is this area that often exhibits stippling, which is a sign of healthy gingival tissue.

Interdental Gingiva[edit]

The interdental gingiva occupies the space beneath the area of tooth contact and is also known as the gingival papilla.

Causes of Stippling[edit]

Stippling is caused by the presence of connective tissue projections within the gingiva. These projections create a dimpled appearance on the surface of the gingiva. The degree of stippling can vary among individuals and is influenced by factors such as age, gingival health, and genetic predisposition.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Stippling is often used as an indicator of gingival health. Healthy gingiva typically exhibits a firm texture and stippled appearance. A lack of stippling may indicate gingival inflammation or other periodontal issues. However, the absence of stippling is not always indicative of disease, as some individuals naturally have non-stippled gingiva.

Related pages[edit]