| 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) |
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| 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) |
| eucalyptus gum | A dried gummy exudation from Eucalyptus rostrata and other species of Eucalyptus (family Myrtaceae); used as an astringent (in gargles and troches) and as an antidiarrhoeal agent. Synonym: red gum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| karaya gum | <chemical> Polysaccharide gum from sterculia urens, an indian tree; it is used as suspending or stabilizing agent in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; also as bulk-forming laxative, surgical lubricant and adhesive and in the treatment of skin ulcers. Pharmacological action: cathartic, excipient, tissue adhesives. Chemical name: Karaya gum (12 Dec 1998) |
| locust gum | <botany> The Carob, a leguminous tree of the Mediterranean region; also, its edible beans or pods, called St. John's bread. The Honey mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), a small tree found from California to Buenos Ayres; also, its sweet, pulpy pods. A valuable gum, resembling gum arabic, is collected from the tree in Texas and Mexico. Origin: Sp. Algarroba, fr. Ar. Al-kharrbah. Cf. Carob. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |