Gingival texture in health is best described as which of the following?

• A. Rough and dull
• B. Smooth or stippled
• C. Peaked and dry
• D. Glossy and shiny

Answer: (B)

Gingival texture in health refers to the surface pattern of the gum tissue. In healthy gingiva, the surface is typically smooth or stippled (an orange-peel appearance). Stippling comes from the way the epithelium folds and attaches to underlying connective tissue, and while many healthy individuals show it, some may have smooth gingiva and still be healthy. The other descriptors—rough and dull, peaked and dry, or glossy and shiny—are more often associated with irritation, dehydration, or inflammation and do not characterize healthy tissue. Therefore, smooth or stippled describes healthy gingival texture.