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encía means gum — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 11, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

encía

noun • /[en-SEE-a]/

gum

Example:

Las encías están inflamadas.

The gums are swollen.

🧠 What does encía mean?

Encía refers to the firm, fleshy tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth inside the mouth. It covers the jawbone and provides a seal around the teeth, protecting the roots from bacteria. In medical and dental contexts, the health of the encías is a key indicator of overall oral hygiene.

📚 Extra examples

  • Me sangran las encías al cepillarme los dientes.
    My gums bleed when I brush my teeth.
  • El dentista notó que el paciente tenía las encías inflamadas.
    The dentist noticed that the patient had swollen gums.
  • Tener las encías sanas y de color rosa es un signo de buena salud bucal.
    Having healthy, pink-colored gums is a sign of good oral health.

💡 Did You Know?

The Spanish word 'encía' comes from the Latin 'gingīva', which is also the root of the English medical term 'gingivitis', an inflammation of the gums. This connection highlights the shared classical roots of medical terminology in both languages.

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'gum' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'gum', the tissue in the mouth, is 'encía'. For chewing gum, the word is 'chicle'. For rubber or an eraser, the word is 'goma'.
How do you pronounce 'encía' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is en-SEE-ah. The emphasis is on the second syllable, 'cí'. The 'c' is pronounced like an 's' in Latin America and most of Spain. In some parts of Spain, it may be pronounced with a 'th' sound: en-THEE-ah.
How do you use 'encía' in a sentence?
A common use is to describe a sensation or condition, for example: 'Siento dolor en la encía superior.' (I feel pain in my upper gum.)
What is the English translation of 'encía'?
The English translation of 'encía' is 'gum' (referring to the tissue inside the mouth).
Does 'encía' change for gender or number?
'Encía' is a feminine noun. Its singular form is 'la encía' and its plural form is 'las encías'.
Is 'encía' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'encía' is the standard and common term used in all contexts, from everyday conversations about oral hygiene to professional dental appointments.
Does 'encía' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'encía' is a specific anatomical term and does not have any common slang meanings or double entendres. It refers exclusively to the gums of the mouth.
Is 'encía' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'encía' and its meaning are uniform across the entire Spanish-speaking world. It is the standard term used everywhere.

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