GUMS Meaning and
Definition
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Gums, also called gingiva, refer to the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth within the mouth. They are composed of dense, fibrous, and pinkish mucous membranes that cover the jawbone and tooth roots. Gums play a crucial role in maintaining dental health as they provide a protective barrier, holding the teeth in place and cushioning them against external forces.
The gums serve as a seal around the teeth, preventing bacteria and food particles from entering the deeper structures of the mouth. When healthy, gums have a firm, resilient texture and fit snugly around each tooth, creating a tight seal. However, gum health can be compromised due to various factors.
Poor oral hygiene habits, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, can lead to gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, causes inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, where the gums may recede, forming pockets that allow bacteria to grow and attack the underlying bone and tissue supporting the teeth.
Gum disease can result in symptoms like bad breath, bleeding gums, gum sensitivity, and loose teeth. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices and visit a dentist regularly to prevent and treat gum disease. Additionally, a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco use, and managing systemic conditions like diabetes are crucial for maintaining healthy gums.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The fleshy matter surrounding the teeth; the sockets of the teeth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GUMS
Etymology of GUMS
The word "gums" has its origins in Middle English. It is derived from the Old English word "gōma", which meant "the front of the mouth" or "the palate". The Old English word is further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*gōmō" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*gʰóms", both of which also referred to the mouth or the front part of it. Over time, the meaning of "gums" expanded to specifically refer to the fleshy tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth.
Idioms with the word GUMS
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beat gums
The idiom "beat gums" means to speak or talk at length without saying anything meaningful or productive. It refers to the act of talking excessively or making empty promises without taking any concrete action.
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flap one's gums
The idiom "flap one's gums" means to talk excessively or speak without saying anything important or meaningful. It refers to someone who talks a lot but lacks substance or purpose in their words.
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beat one's gums
The idiom "beat one's gums" means to talk excessively or aimlessly without actually accomplishing anything or making any progress. It refers to someone who talks a lot but lacks substance or meaningful content in their communication.
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beat one’s gums
The idiom "beat one's gums" means to talk or speak in a manner that is long-winded, pointless, or without any real substance. It often implies that the individual is continuously talking without achieving or contributing anything meaningful to the conversation or situation.
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flap your gums
The idiom "flap your gums" means to talk excessively or speak in a meaningless or unimportant manner. It refers to the act of someone talking without purpose or substance, often used to describe someone who talks a lot but says little of value.
Similar spelling words for GUMS
Conjugate verb Gums
CONDITIONAL
I
would gum
we
would gum
you
would gum
he/she/it
would gum
they
would gum
FUTURE
I
will gum
we
will gum
you
will gum
he/she/it
will gum
they
will gum
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have gummed
we
will have gummed
you
will have gummed
he/she/it
will have gummed
they
will have gummed
PAST
I
gummed
we
gummed
you
gummed
he/she/it
gummed
they
gummed
PAST PERFECT
I
had gummed
we
had gummed
you
had gummed
he/she/it
had gummed
they
had gummed
PRESENT
I
gum
we
gum
you
gum
he/she/it
gums
they
gum
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have gummed
we
have gummed
you
have gummed
he/she/it
has gummed
they
have gummed
I
am gumming
we
are gumming
you
are gumming
he/she/it
is gumming
they
are gumming
I
was gumming
we
were gumming
you
were gumming
he/she/it
was gumming
they
were gumming
I
will be gumming
we
will be gumming
you
will be gumming
he/she/it
will be gumming
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will be gumming
I
have been gumming
we
have been gumming
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have been gumming
he/she/it
has been gumming
they
have been gumming
I
had been gumming
we
had been gumming
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had been gumming
he/she/it
had been gumming
they
had been gumming
I
will have been gumming
we
will have been gumming
you
will have been gumming
he/she/it
will have been gumming
they
will have been gumming
I
would have gummed
we
would have gummed
you
would have gummed
he/she/it
would have gummed
they
would have gummed
I
would be gumming
we
would be gumming
you
would be gumming
he/she/it
would be gumming
they
would be gumming
I
would have been gumming
we
would have been gumming
you
would have been gumming
he/she/it
would have been gumming
they
would have been gumming
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