Which term refers to the visible portion of a tooth that is above the gums?

The term that refers to the visible portion of a tooth above the gums is the crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that is exposed to the oral cavity and is typically seen when someone smiles or opens their mouth. It is the area that plays a critical role in chewing and biting food.

Additionally, the crown is usually covered by enamel, which is the hard, protective outer layer that helps safeguard the softer structures of the tooth from decay and damage. This distinction is important because while enamel pertains to the material that covers the crown, it does not describe the physical part of the tooth itself that is visible.

In contrast, the root of the tooth is the portion embedded in the gum and bone, anchoring the tooth in place, while gingiva refers to the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and supports them. Therefore, understanding these definitions clarifies why the crown is the correct answer when identifying the visible part of a tooth above the gums.