What is a common feature of periodontally healthy gingiva?

A common feature of periodontally healthy gingiva is its firm and resilient texture. Healthy gingival tissue is characterized by a consistency that is snugly adapted to the teeth and underlying bone, which contributes to its ability to withstand various forces during activities like chewing and speaking. This firmness indicates an adequate amount of collagen fibers in the connective tissue, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the gum.

In healthy conditions, the gingiva also typically exhibits a color that ranges from a pale pink to a coral hue, without being shiny or overly smooth. Stippled texture is often present in healthy gingiva, aiding in its resilience, but absence of stippling alone is not indicative of disease. Deep pockets, shiny surface, and pale color are often associated with periodontal disease rather than health. Thus, the firm and resilient nature of healthy gingiva is the most definitive characteristic distinguishing it from diseased tissue.