Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What is the tissue surrounding the teeth known as?

1. Alveolar Process

2. Pulp

3. Cementum

4. Gingiva

The correct answer is: Gingiva

The tissue surrounding the teeth is known as gingiva. This part of the oral cavity is comprised of soft tissue and plays a crucial role in oral health. The gingiva forms a protective barrier around the teeth and helps to secure them in place by surrounding the tooth's neck, extending to the apices of the teeth and maintaining the attachment to the underlying alveolar bone. It also acts as a first line of defense against pathogens, making it essential for preventing periodontal disease. Gingival tissue is also significant in maintaining the aesthetics of the smile, as its health directly influences the appearance of the surrounding teeth. Healthy gingiva is typically pink and firm, providing support to the teeth. In contrast, the alveolar process is the bony ridge containing the tooth sockets, pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that houses nerves and blood vessels, and cementum is the calcified tissue covering the roots of the teeth that helps anchor them in place. Each of these tissues serves specific functions but does not describe the surrounding soft tissue like the gingiva does. This distinction is important for understanding the anatomy and health of the oral cavity.