Which of the following describes a healthy gingival pattern across color, size, margin position, and margin shape?

• A. Color: Coral pink; Size: Fits snug; Margin: 1-2 mm coronal to CEJ; Margin shape: Knife edged
• B. Color: Red; Size: Large; Margin: At CEJ; Margin shape: Thick
• C. Color: Blue; Size: Narrow; Margin: 3-4 mm coronal to CEJ
• D. Color: Coral pink; Size: Narrow; Margin: 1-2 mm apical to CEJ

Answer: (A)

Healthy gingiva shows a coral pink color, a snug fit around the tooth, a free margin located slightly coronal to the cementoenamel junction (about 0–2 mm), and a knife-edged margin. The described combination—coral pink color, snug size, 1–2 mm coronal to the CEJ, and knife-edged margin—fits these healthy characteristics best. Red or blue coloring signals inflammation or poor perfusion, margins at the CEJ or apical to it indicate recession, and a thick or enlarged margin or a narrow band around the tooth suggests fibrotic changes or edema.