Gingival stippling causes
Gingival stippling is a normal dimpled texture in attached gum tissue, although a new change with bleeding needs assessment.
The short answer
Gingival stippling is the orange-peel or dimpled texture created by connective-tissue projections meeting the surface epithelium, most often in healthy attached gingiva.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The question asks why the gum surface has tiny depressions rather than a smooth appearance. Stippling describes texture, not a disease by itself; redness, swelling, tenderness, recession, or bleeding are separate findings that may point to inflammation or another periodontal problem.
What can you do next?
Brush along the gumline with a soft-bristled brush and clean between the teeth each day, without scrubbing the tissue. Look at the area under consistent lighting and note whether its colour, contour, or texture changes after improving plaque removal.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange an examination if stippling is new or localised and comes with persistent bleeding, swelling, pain, an ulcer, pus, bad taste, or gum recession. A dentist may measure gum pockets, check plaque and calculus, and compare the tissue with neighbouring sites.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the texture is normal attached gingiva or part of gingivitis, periodontitis, trauma, or another lesion. Also ask whether you need professional cleaning, periodontal measurements, photographs, or a review after your home-care technique has been corrected.
Frequently asked questions
Can healthy gums have stippling?
Yes. Stippling is commonly a normal feature of attached gingiva when the tissue is firm and not inflamed.
Does loss of stippling prove gum disease?
No. A smooth appearance alone is not diagnostic; the dentist considers colour, bleeding, pocket measurements, recession, and bone support.