Gingival consistency in health is most accurately described as which?

• A. Soft and mushy
• B. Flattened
• C. Firm/resilient
• D. Flabby

Answer: (C)

In healthy gingiva, firmness and resilience are key signs. When you press gently, the tissue should feel firm and spring back quickly, like a taut piece of rubber. This reflects normal connective tissue density and no excess fluid or inflammation. Soft, mushy, or edematous tissue loses that tone and feels spongy or swollen, which is not seen in health. Flattened or flabby tissue can indicate loss of contour or adverse changes from inflammation or recession, rather than a healthy state. So the best description of gingival consistency in health is firm and resilient.