Which periodontal structure acts as a shock absorber for teeth during chewing?

• A. Gingiva
• B. Alveolar bone
• C. Periodontal ligament
• D. Cementum

Answer: (C)

When teeth chew, forces are transmitted from the crown down to the bone. The periodontal ligament, a layer of elastic connective tissue between the cementum of the tooth and the alveolar bone, acts as the cushioning spring. Its collagen fiber bundles absorb and disperse occlusal forces, allowing a small amount of tooth movement and spreading load across the socket to protect both cementum and bone from trauma. The ligament’s viscoelastic properties, especially the oblique fibers, help convert compressive forces into tension within the ligament, reducing direct impact on the bone. Gingiva covers and protects the area but does not cushion tooth roots; alveolar bone is rigid support; cementum coats the root but isn’t a shock absorber. So the periodontal ligament is the structure that absorbs chewing forces.