Gums are the soft tissue below the anatomical crowns of teeth that combine with other features of the mouth to surround and hold teeth in place. Altogether, these features are known as the periodontium. The soft tissue commonly known as the gums is actually called the gingiva. It covers the jaws and encloses the tooth at the neck.

Bundles of connective tissue fibers make up the periodontal ligament. These fibers anchor the teeth to the jaws, with one end of each fiber connected to the cementum and the other embedded in the alveolar socket.