Which statement best describes the GM-CEJ distance?

• A. GM-CEJ distance is always positive
• B. GM-CEJ distance is always negative
• C. GM-CEJ distance is measured from the gingival margin to the CEJ
• D. GM-CEJ distance is not used in periodontal assessment

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how GM-CEJ distance is defined and used. It is the measurement from the gingival margin to the cementoenamel junction along the tooth. This direction is what defines the value you record: you’re documenting how far the gingival margin sits from the CEJ, which helps identify gingival recession (when the margin is apical to the CEJ, recession is present and the distance increases). The key is that the measurement is described by where you start and end—from GM to CEJ—rather than implying it must always be a positive or always a negative value. The other statements mislead about sign or omit the practical use of this measurement in periodontal assessment.