No, the gum is not a bone. The gum, also known as the gingiva, is a soft tissue lining that surrounds the teeth and helps to create a seal around them. While the gum is attached to the underlying bone, it is not bone itself.
The bone that supports the teeth is called the alveolar bone, and it's essential for holding teeth firmly in place. However, the gum is a separate tissue that covers and protects the alveolar bone.
Here's a breakdown of the relationship between gums and bone:
- Gums: Soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and seals around them.
- Alveolar Bone: Hard tissue that supports and holds the teeth in place.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects the gums and the alveolar bone. When left untreated, gum disease can cause inflammation and infection, leading to bone loss and even tooth loss.
