What is Stippling of Gingiva and how is it formed and where it is seen

Stippling of Gingiva: Healthy gingiva presents a textured surface like that seen on the surface of an Orange Peel which is called as Stippled. It is also called as Alternate protuberances & depressions on gingival surface.

Stippling was used to be thought to indicate health, but it has since been shown that smooth gingiva is not an indication of disease, unless it is smooth due to loss of previously existing stippling.

Stippling is a consequence of the microscopic  elevations and depressions of the surface of the gingival tissue due to the connective tissue projections within the tissue.

How and When can Stippling of Gingiva be seen ?

 Stippling of Gingiva can best be seen on “Drying the Gingiva”

Which Type of Gingiva is Stippled and which is not ?

• Attached Gingiva – Stippled
• Interdental Gingiva – Stippled
• Marginal Gingiva – Not Stippled 

Attached Gingiva is bound to underlying alveolar bone, not the freely moveable alveolar mucosa.

Where is Stippling seen Microscopically ?

• Stippling is seen at the sites of fusion of the epithelial ridges or Rete Pegs and corresponds to the fusion of the valleys created by the connective tissue papillae
• It is Microscopic elevations and Depressions of the surface of the gingival tissue due to the connective tissue projections within the tissue. 
• The Degree of Keratinization and Stippling are related and depend on each other.