Keratinised Gingiva
Pronunciation: KER-uh-tih-nyzd JIN-jih-vuh
The band of firm, pale-pink gingival tissue that extends from the free gingival margin to the mucogingival junction, providing structural resistance to mechanical stress.
Full Definition
Keratinised gingiva is composed of the free gingiva and attached gingiva, and its surface epithelium undergoes keratinisation, conferring resilience to toothbrushing, chewing forces, and periodontal instrumentation. The width of keratinised gingiva is clinically significant because inadequate zones may predispose sites to recession, particularly around implants and orthodontic appliances. Dental hygienists document keratinised gingival width in millimetres during periodontal charting. Editors must spell 'keratinised' consistently (British English '-ised'; American English '-ized') throughout a document and must not substitute 'attached gingiva', which is a subset, not a synonym. This term appears prominently in mucogingival surgery documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Standardise '-ised' vs '-ized' spelling per the publication's style guide. Do not use 'attached gingiva' as a direct synonym; attached gingiva excludes the free gingival margin.
In Context
- "A minimum of 2 mm of keratinised gingiva is generally recommended around dental implants to maintain peri-implant health." — Implant dentistry clinical guideline
- "The editor flagged an inconsistency: 'keratinized' appeared in the abstract while 'keratinised' was used throughout the body text." — Journal manuscript editing