noun
Refers to the gums in everyday and medical contexts.
歯茎が腫れて痛い。
My gums are swollen and painful.
歯磨きのときは歯茎も優しく磨きましょう。
When brushing your teeth, gently brush your gums as well.
Compound of 歯 (ha, 'tooth') and 茎 (kuki, 'stem'), with rendaku voicing of the second element. The reading はぐき is a straightforward combination.