Synonyms for

Gums

Verb / gʌmz / Another word for gums — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The flesh surrounding the teeth in the mouth.

Synonyms & similar words

mumble gum gingiva gumwood gumtree glue chewinggum mucilage gingiva gummed viscid gluey gummy mucilage stickum adhesive glutinous sticky pasty mucous resinous unctuous

Synonyms by register

Formal

gingiva gingivae

Informal

gums

Literary

flesh pink tissue

Antonyms

teeth ivory enamel dentures molars incisors

Common collocations

  • bleeding gums
  • sore gums
  • healthy gums
  • gum disease
  • gum line
  • gum recession
  • gum pain

Word family

noun gum

Usage note

The word 'gums' most commonly refers to the tissue surrounding the teeth. It can also refer to a sticky substance, but this is less common and usually specified by context (e.g., 'gum arabic').

Example sentences

  1. I have to brush my gums every day to keep them healthy.
  2. When I eat too much candy, my gums start to hurt.
  3. The dentist told me to floss in between my gums to prevent cavities.
  4. My gums are bleeding because I didn't brush my teeth for a week.
  5. I have to go to the dentist to get my gums cleaned.

Quotes

  • I don't have false teeth. Do you think I'd buy teeth like these? - Shirley Bassey
  • I told my dentist my teeth are going yellow. He told me to wear a brown tie. - Rodney Dangerfield
  • I told my dentist I want a tooth to match the others. He gave me one with four cavities. - Rodney Dangerfield

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