gum

gum (gum)

1. a mucilaginous excretion of various plants.

2. gingiva.

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guar gum  a gum obtained from the ground endosperms of the leguminous tree Cyamopsis tetragonolobus; used in pharmaceutical preparations and as a source of soluble dietary fiber.

karaya gum , sterculia gum the dried gummy exudation from Sterculia species, which becomes gelatinous when moisture is added; used as a bulk laxative. It is also adhesive and is used in dental adhesives and skin adhesives and protective barriers around stomas.

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gum ¹ (gm)

n.

1. Any of various viscous substances that are exuded by certain plants and trees and dry into water-soluble, noncrystalline, brittle solids.

2. A similar plant exudate, such as a resin.

3. Any of various adhesives made from such exudates or other sticky substance.

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gum ² (gm)

n.

The firm connective tissue covered by mucous membrane that envelops the alveolar arches of the jaw and surrounds the bases of the teeth. Also called gingiva.

v.

To chew food with toothless gums.

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gum,

1 a sticky excretion from certain plants.

2 a firm layer of flesh covering the alveolar processes of the jaws and the base of the teeth. See also gingiva.

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gum [gum]

1. a mucilaginous excretion of various plants.

2. gingiva.

karaya gum (sterculia gum) see karaya gum.

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gum(s),

n the colloquial term for the fibrous and mucosal covering of the alveolar process or ridges or gingiva(e). See also gingiva.

gum pads,

n edentulous segments of the maxillae and mandible that correspond to the underlying primary teeth.

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gum

1. a mucilaginous excretion of various plants.

2. see gingiva.

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gum arabic

see acacia.

gum tragacanth

see tragacanth.

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gum

Tobacco control See Nicotine gum.

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Patient discussion about gum.

Q. Is it dangerous to swallow a bubble gum? My 4 year old child always swallows his chewing gum and I am worried that it can harm him

A. what about when your 45 yrs old and still swallowing gum? we had a debate with my older sister about this.

Q. What are the opportunities to restore gums? My gum on the lower jaw gets less and less, opening the roots of my teeth. Is there any technology or recurement to stop it and, hopefully, draw back?

A. Treatment of receding gums start with treating the cause - improving overall oral hygiene, including brushing habits (too powerful brushing may damage the gums), as well as periodic tooth cleaning at the dentist.

More sever situation may necessitate treatments done by a dentist. Consulting one may be wise.

You may read more here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/1136.htm