Which description best describes the shape of the gingival margin in health?

• A. Thick rounded
• B. Knife edged
• C. Flat and level
• D. Gum overgrowth

Answer: (B)

In health, the gingival margin is knife-edged—a thin, sharp border that sits at the crest of the gingiva and closely adapts to the tooth surface. This slender margin follows the enamel contour and forms a shallow sulcus (about 1–3 mm in a healthy mouth). The tissue is firm and non-edematous, with no swelling or rounded bulk. A thicker, rounded margin would suggest fibrotic or inflamed tissue; a flat and level margin doesn’t reflect the natural scalloped crest; gum overgrowth denotes abnormal gingival enlargement. So, the knife-edge description best matches healthy gingiva.