The gingiva (sing. and plur.: gingiva), or gums, consists of the mucosal tissue that lies over the alveolar bone. General description Gingiva are part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth. They surround the teeth and provide a seal around them. Compared with the soft tissue linings of the lips and cheeks, most of the gingiva are tightly bound to the underlying bone and are designed to resist the friction of food passing over them. Healthy gingiva's usually coral pink, but may contain physiolo… (More on Gingiva)