What is the true statement about stippling in periodontally healthy individuals?

The characteristic of stippling in periodontally healthy individuals is generally viewed as a positive sign of gingival health. Stippling refers to the pitted or dimpled appearance of the surface texture of the attached gingiva, often compared to the texture of an orange peel. In healthy individuals, this stippling is present in most cases, indicating that the epithelium is firmly attached to the underlying connective tissue, providing a good seal and protection against periodontal disease.

Stippling is most commonly observed in the attached gingiva, which can lead to the misconception that it is not a universal characteristic of all healthy gingiva, as it may vary between individuals. However, its presence in most healthy individuals supports the conclusion that it is a hallmark of periodontal health.

In contrast, stippling is not an indicator of inflammation, and its absence does not necessarily imply disease. While stippling might decrease or disappear in inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis, it is not a direct indicator of disease on its own. Therefore, recognizing stippling as a characteristic feature in healthy gingiva assists in understanding its relevance in periodontal assessments.