← All explanationsAttached gingiva

Why are gums near teeth firmer?

Attached gingiva is the relatively immobile part of the gums firmly connected to underlying tissue. It lies between the free gum margin and the more movable oral lining. Width, colour and surface texture vary naturally.

For training & practice ↓

Fictional frontal view of gums; the boundary with mobile mucosa is not fully depicted. — Simplified teaching illustration · not a patient case or treatment outcome

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Firm or movable

Gum tissue over the jaw is attached differently from the lining towards the lip or cheek. The boundary is not equally visible everywhere.

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Width is not a verdict

A narrow band does not automatically mean disease or a need for surgery. Symptoms, inflammation, recession and ability to clean matter.

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Care gently

Cleaning should suit the findings. Persistent irritation or recession needs assessment; vigorous scrubbing does not create new gum tissue.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

What is explained?

The attached part of the gums.

What is assessed?

Tissues, inflammation, recession and cleaning access.

When should I arrange a visit?

For persistent irritation, bleeding or recession.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

Firm or movable
Gum tissue over the jaw is attached differently from the lining towards the lip or cheek. The boundary is not equally visible everywhere.
Width is not a verdict
A narrow band does not automatically mean disease or a need for surgery. Symptoms, inflammation, recession and ability to clean matter.
Care gently
Cleaning should suit the findings. Persistent irritation or recession needs assessment; vigorous scrubbing does not create new gum tissue.

Often confused

Attached or free?

The free margin forms the collar at the tooth. Attached gingiva extends from it towards the jaw.

Quick answers

Must healthy gums be pale pink?

No. Natural pigmentation and individual variation are normal. Colour alone does not determine health.

Is every pink area attached gingiva?

No. Movable lining and the free margin are distinct regions.

Does a narrow band need a graft?

Not automatically. Benefits, risks and need depend on the full assessment.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:

How can this area be cleaned without further irritation?

Gum tissue feels tight or irritated during brushing? Examination can clarify the area and suitable care.

Have the gums assessedAppointment selection at Doctolib

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Gingiva: The gums.
Mucogingival junction: Boundary with movable alveolar mucosa.
Recession: Recession of the gum margin.

Make the distinction

The free margin forms the collar at the tooth. Attached gingiva extends from it towards the jaw.

Knowledge questionWhat determines treatment need?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

Colour alone.
An arbitrary width alone.
Individual findings and symptoms.

View answer

Individual findings and symptoms.

One visual feature is insufficient.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-02. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.