There are two types of skin in the mouth. The first is the thin reddish lining of most of the mouth called mucosa. Mucosa contains minor salivary glands which keep the mouth moist, and because it is thin, allows natural movement of the lips, tongue, and cheek. The second type of skin in the mouth is called gingiva. Gingiva is thicker, light pink in color, and forms a narrow band around existing teeth and the roof of the mouth. Gingiva is necessary because it is stronger and can resist the forces resulting from chewing food. It also resists infection around teeth or implants by limiting the ability of bacteria to enter between the tooth or implant and the “skin”.