Gingiva and gingival changes in companion animals

Gingiva or gums

The gingiva is the only one of four periodontal tissues normally viewable. The other three tissues are the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and tooth root cementum. Collectively, these four tissues comprise the periodontium with the primary function of protecting teeth. Periodontal disease is first recognized from viewing the gingiva.

Young dog; normal healthy gingiva.

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Rabbit; normal gingiva.

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Cat; normal gingiva.

Same cat as above; gingival inflammation
and periodontal disease associated with
abnormal teeth.

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Young cat; gingival inflammation (gingivitis).

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2 yr dog, gingivitis after orthodontic therapy.

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Young cat; gingival enlargement.

5 yr dog; gingival enlargement.

Same dog as in above photo; gingival
enlargement.

Benign gingival enlargement confirmed
as hyperplasia by a pathologist.

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Malignant gingival tumor determined
to be squamous cell carcinoma by a
veterinary pathologist.

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Cat; 4 mm periodontal pocket with
inflamed gingiva.

Dog; severe 9 mm periodontal defect
with gingiva, alveolar bone and periodontal
ligament missing. Root cementum exposed.

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Young cat; severe 3 mm periodontal defect
with gingiva, alveolar bone and periodontal
ligament missing. Root cementum exposed.
This defect was created by traumatic occlusion
of the upper fourth premolar.

Young dog; traumatic gingival defect.
The upper canine was luxated and the
gingiva was torn.

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