| gum benjamin | 1. A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc, having a fragrant odour, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume. 2. A white crystalline substance, C14H12O2, obtained from benzoic aldehyde and some other sources. 3. <botany> The spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Flowers of benzoin, benzoic acid. See Benzoic. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| gum contour | The shape or form of the gingiva, either natural or artificial, around the necks of the teeth. Synonym: gum contour. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gum disease | Inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place. Gum disease is caused by toxins secreted by bacteria in plaque that accumulate over time along the gum line. This plaque is a mixture of food, saliva, and bacteria. Early symptoms of gum disease include gum bleeding without pain. Pain is a symptom of more advanced gum disease as the loss of bone around the teeth leads to the formation of gum pockets. Bacteria in these pockets cause gum infection, swelling, pain, and further bone destruction. Advanced gum disease can cause loss of otherwise healthy teeth. (12 Dec 1998) |
| gum lancet | A lancet used for incising the gum over the crown of an erupting tooth. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gum line | The position of the margin of the gingiva in relation to the teeth in the dental arch. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gum opium | <chemistry> The inspissated juice of the Papaver somniferum, or white poppy. Opium is obtained from incisions made in the capsules of the plant, and the best flows from the first incision. It is imported into Europe and America chiefly from the Levant, and large quantities are sent to China from India, Persia, and other countries. It is of a brownish yellow colour, has a faint smell, and bitter and acrid taste. It is a stimulant narcotic poison, which may produce hallicinations, profound sleep, or death. It is much used in medicine to soothe pain and inflammation, and is smoked as an intoxicant with baneful effects. Opium joint, a low resort of opium smokers. Origin: L, fr. Gr. Poppy juice, dim. Of vegetable juice. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| gum resection | Surgical excision of the gingiva at the level of its attachment, thus creating new marginal gingiva. This procedure is used to eliminate gingival or periodontal pockets or to provide an approach for extensive surgical interventions, and to gain access necessary to remove calculus within the pocket. (12 Dec 1998) |
| gum resin | The dry exudate from a number of plants, consisting of a mixture of a gum and a resin, the former soluble in water but not alcohol, the latter soluble in alcohol but not water. (05 Mar 2000) |
| wheat gum | <protein> The protein of wheat and other grains which gives to the dough its tough elastic character. (18 Nov 1997) |
| xanthan gum | <chemical> A polysaccharide gum often used in foods, it is synthesised (fermented) from glucose by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. (11 May 1997) |
| senegal gum | The gum of Acacia senegal. See: acacia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| starch gum | <chemistry> A translucent, gummy, amorphous substance, nearly tasteless and odorless, used as a substitute for gum, for sizing, etc, and obtained from starch by the action of heat, acids, or diastase. It is of somewhat variable composition, containing several carbohydrates which change easily to their respective varieties of sugar. It is so named from its rotating the plane of polarization to the right; called also British gum, Alsace gum, gommelin, leiocome, etc. See Achroodextrin, and Erythrodextrin. Origin: Cf. F. Dextrine, G. Dextrin. See Dexter. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| sterculia gum | The dried gummy exudation from Sterculia urens, S. Villosa, S. Tragacantha, or other species of Sterculia, or from Cochlospermum gossypium or other species of Cochlospermum (family Bixaceae); used as a hydrophilic laxative and in the manufacture of lotions and pastes. Synonym: karaya gum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| disease, gum | Inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place. Gum disease is caused by toxins secreted by bacteria in plaque that accumulate over time along the gum line. This plaque is a mixture of food, saliva, and bacteria. Early symptoms of gum disease include gum bleeding without pain. Pain is a symptom of more advanced gum disease as the loss of bone around the teeth leads to the formation of gum pockets. Bacteria in these pockets cause gum infection, swelling, pain, and further bone destruction. Advanced gum disease can cause loss of otherwise healthy teeth. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Indian gum | An exudation from Anogeisus latifolia (family Combrettaceae); the mucilage is used as a substitute for acacia mucilage. Synonym: ghatti gum. (05 Mar 2000) |