ABSTRACT
The gingiva protects the tooth and underlying structures. Gingival fibers mechanically support the gingiva and hold it tightly against the tooth, deflecting food and debris away from the tooth and gingival sulcus. Gingiva is lined by epithelium, with the oral surface covered by the outer epithelium and the sulcular epithelium lining the gingival sulcus. Sulcular epithelium acts as a semi-permeable membrane through which fluids, inflammatory cells, and cell by-products can pass. The character of cells, fluids, and cell by-products varies in response to external stimulus. Bacteria and their by-products pass through the epithelium into the gingiva to cause an inflammatory reaction.
