Translation guide
The medical term for the gums. In everyday English, people usually say 'gums'.
Referring to the gums in daily conversation
The standard, everyday word for gums. Used in casual and polite contexts.
Referring to the gums in a clinical or anatomical setting
The formal medical term for gingiva. Used by dentists and in medical literature.
歯肉炎は歯肉の炎症です。
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva.
歯肉退縮が見られる。
Gingival recession is observed.
A rare, highly technical term for gingiva, sometimes used in anatomical contexts. Not common even in medical settings.
歯齦の構造を学ぶ。
Study the structure of the gingiva.
歯茎 (はぐき) is the everyday word for gums, while 歯肉 (しにく) is the medical term. Use 歯茎 in normal conversation and 歯肉 in formal medical contexts.
If you're talking to a dentist or reading a medical document, 歯肉 is appropriate. Otherwise, stick with 歯茎.