gingival epithelium

Bacteria occupy the ecological niche provided by both the tooth surface and gingival epithelium.

Melanocytes are cells which reside in the basal layer of the gingival epithelium.

The gingival epithelium is not associated directly with tooth attachment and is visible in the mouth.

Much about gingival formation is not fully understood, but it is known that hemidesmosomes form between the gingival epithelium and the tooth and are responsible for the primary epithelial attachment.