The soft tissue lining covers the entire mouth and acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Where teeth erupt through the bone, the gum must form a tight cuff around each tooth—this area is essential for keeping bacteria out and protecting your overall health.
To safeguard the junction between tooth and gum, every tooth is encircled by a vital “connective tissue attachment” known as the biologic width. This structure is divided into three key zones:
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Gum sulcus (gum pocket): The shallow crevice next to the tooth, typically 0.69 mm in depth.
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Epithelial attachment: The layer of gum cells directly attached to the tooth’s surface, about 0.97 mm deep.
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Connective tissue attachment: The robust tissue anchoring the gum to the tooth, roughly 1.07 mm deep.
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The total biologic width averages 2.04 mm and forms a natural seal against infection and disease. When dental work invades this biologic width, inflammation and bone loss can result.
Why Is Biologic Width Important for Oral Health?
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Maintains a natural seal to block bacteria and prevent gum disease
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Preserves healthy gums and protects underlying bone
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Ensures restorative dental treatments don’t cause chronic inflammation
Understanding and preserving biologic width is crucial in both dental treatment planning and daily oral care. Learn more about gum attachment features and gum inflammation.