Stippling
The normal orange-peel–like surface texture of healthy attached gingival tissue, used as a clinical indicator in dental hygiene assessments.
Full Definition
Stippling refers to the dimpled or punctate surface appearance of healthy attached gingiva, thought to result from the interdigitation of connective tissue papillae with overlying epithelium. Its presence is documented during soft-tissue examination as an indicator of gingival health, while its absence may suggest edema or inflammation. Editors should take care with the hyphenated descriptor 'orange-peel' when used as a compound modifier and should not confuse stippling with the broader term 'texture,' which encompasses abnormal surface changes. 'Stippled' is the adjectival form.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'stippled' as the adjectival form (e.g., 'stippled gingiva'). The compound modifier 'orange-peel–like' requires an en-dash before 'like' per most style guides.
In Context
- "Examination revealed healthy pink attached gingiva with normal stippling present in all quadrants." — Periodontal Charting Notes
- "The absence of stippling in the anterior sextant was noted as a sign of early inflammatory change." — Clinical Progress Note