What defines free gingiva?

Free gingiva is defined as the portion of the gingiva that is not attached to the underlying alveolar bone and forms a collar around the teeth. This structure allows for a certain degree of mobility, which facilitates oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing without causing damage to the underlying tissues. The free gingiva ends at the gingival margin and is separated from the attached gingiva by the mucogingival junction.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of gingival structure or characteristics. The tightly bound nature to the alveolar bone relates more to the attached gingiva, which is secured to the bone and does not have the same mobility as free gingiva. Filling the area between the teeth describes interdental papillae, which are important for preventing plaque accumulation. The stippling of the surface of the gingiva refers to the texture that can be seen on healthy attached gingiva but does not specifically define free gingiva. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate knowledge in dental anatomy and clinical practice.