Epithelium

The epithelium is a type of tissue that lines the intraoral mucosal surfaces, extends into the sulcus, and adheres to a dental implant or tooth. Epithelium is classified both by its shape and by its layer pattern. Three different epithelial cell shapes exist: squamous, cuboidal, and columnar. Three different types of epithelial layers also exist: simple, stratified, and pseudostratified. By combining both the cell shape and the type of layer pattern, the epithelium of different parts of the body may be identified. The epithelium lining the mucosal surfaces of the mouth is stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelium in the mouth can further be classified as either keratinized or nonkeratinized. Examples of oral structures which consist of nonkeratinized squamous epithelia include the inner portion of the lips, the floor of the mouth, and the soft palate. Keratinized squamous epithelia may be observed in the hard palate, gingiva, and certain parts of dorsal tongue surface.