How to say "gums" in Japanese

• 歯茎はぐき
  nounThe ordinary word for the gums, the flesh around the teeth; this is what you use in daily life — a sore or bleeding gum, or brushing too hard.
  歯茎はぐきに当あたるところはないですか。↗

  Does anything touch your gums?
• 歯肉しにく
  nounThe anatomical term for the gums, corresponding to 'gingiva'; this is the wording of dentistry and medicine, so expect it from a dentist or in medical writing rather than casual chat.

Both words mean the gums — the flesh around the teeth — with no real difference in meaning: pick 歯茎 for everyday speech, and 歯肉 when a dental or medical, anatomical wording is appropriate.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 歯茎はぐきgums
• 歯肉しにくgums