How Overgrown Gums Can Affect Your Oral Health

If you have been told you have a gummy smile, then it might be due to excessive gingival tissue. It can make your teeth appear shorter than they are, so you might think it’s only a cosmetic issue. However, this may not be entirely the case. Having overgrown gums can affect your oral health in several ways. Here’s what you need to know and how your dentist can help.

What’s So Bad About Overgrown Gums?

The soft tissues in your mouth can become enlarged for a wide range of reasons, such as:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Side effects of some medications, such as those for seizures
• Hormonal changes
• Other underlying health issues
• Genetics

Regardless of the cause, this condition can do more than affect the way your smile looks. You might have a harder time effectively brushing and flossing. This can leave you at a higher risk of periodontal disease, which is an infection in your gums. It starts with noticeable redness and swelling, but it can advance and lead to these tissues receding and tooth loss in severe cases.

Having them overgrown can also lead to discomfort. You might have a harder time talking and chewing as they can be more sensitive than normal.

How Can I Fix Overgrown Gums?

The good news is that your dentist is here to help if you have this condition. An effective treatment they may offer is gum recontouring. It’s a simple service that can be done in as little as one visit. Your provider will gently remove excess tissue to uncover the enamel that was hidden underneath. It helps your smile look more balanced and proportional, so you might feel confident showing off your grin! This precise procedure can then open up the door for other things you need, such as a crown or veneers.

What Can I Do to Keep My Gums Healthy?

After you get the treatment you need from your dentist, you should make sure you take good care of your oral health afterward. Here are some simple tips to follow:

• Brush twice daily to remove plaque that can spell trouble.
• Floss every day to clean out bacteria underneath your gumline and in places your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash to make sure you get everything.
• Eat a balanced diet that supports your gum tissue and teeth.

In the end, have consistent visits with your dentist as well. They will be able to make sure there are no red flags or fix them up with the right service. That way, your smile stays the best it deserves to be.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Oshins earned his dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He is happy to help the Schenectady community get the stronger grins they love with reliable treatment that can target gum disease or overgrowth. By tailoring a plan to you, Dr. Oshins can give you an effective service to get rid of the issue. If the soft tissues in your mouth are overgrown, schedule an appointment or call his office at (518) 356-5635.