Knowing your teeth

Photograph of the longitudinal section of a tooth and its supporting tissue, showing the position of root, gum, alveolar bone and periodontal membrane.

Periodontal tissues are tissues surrounding the teeth. They have important functions:

Gingivae (gums)

Cover the surface of alveolar bone. Healthy gingivae are pink in colour.

Alveolar bone

Supports teeth. If alveolar bone is not healthy, the teeth will lose support, become loose, and fall out.

Periodontal membrane

Attachment between teeth and alveolar bone.