Many people suffer from gum recession due to aging or poor dental hygiene. However, a problem many people face is the exact opposite of gum recession. A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, is when the gums cover a large portion of the teeth. Besides giving the teeth a possibly unattractive look, excessive gingival display can cause complications when it comes to eating, sensitivity, and bite.
When the gums cover the teeth, people can experience complications eating certain types of foods. Foods that are rough or hard can irritate the gums and possibly make them bleed, which can be annoying and open up the gums for infection. Sensitivity is also another common problem when it comes to excessive gingival display. Unlike normal sensitivity of the teeth, sensitivity for people who have excess gums is a result of damage to the gums. The last problem some people experience who suffer from excessive gingival display is an incorrect bite. When the gums take up a large portion of the teeth, it can cause the teeth to not fit snuggly together when the mouth is closed. In some cases, the teeth can cause damage to the opposite gum as well.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile
Depending on the situation, there are many different options available to solve a gummy smile. Most commonly, a laser can be utilized to remove part of the gum covering the teeth's surfaces. In other cases, a gummy smile may need to be corrected at the root of the problem, the jaw. Often times, the cause of a gummy smile has to do with how the jaw developed throughout childhood. The most effective method in this circumstance is to remodel the jawbone so that it can sit properly.
Give us a call if you're interested in getting rid of a gummy smile. We can schedule a consultation, and while you're here, we can talk about the best method to solve your gummy smile.
Dental Blog | Sunnyside Dentistry | Clackamas, OR dentist Dick Hikade, DDS at Sunnyside Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about dental concerns. Sunnyside Dentistry, 14210 SE Sunnyside Rd, Suite 200, Clackamas, OR 97015 • (503) 451-5104 • sunnysidedentistry.com • 10/5/2024 • Related Phrases: dentist Clackamas OR •