Why Would Gums Be Overgrown?

Most of the time, you feel generally content with your smile, until one day, you see that your gum tissue seems to have expanded and overgrown. In other words, your teeth look smaller and your gums more prominent. Although this symptom can be common, this issue isn’t something you should ignore. Overgrown gums can come from several sources, but your dentist can help you identify the reason and then provide treatment to resolve it. Here are some of the causes.

Gum Disease (or Gingivitis)

With around 50 percent of American adults with gum or periodontal disease, this infection is the leading cause of tooth loss. However, it starts out as gingivitis, causing gum tissue to swell, bleed, and become inflamed. Without treatment and in more advanced stages, eventually the gums recede drastically.

Genetics

Just like certain illnesses or symptoms are more likely for some people than others, gum overgrowth can run in families. If the other causes have been eliminated, your genetic background could be to blame.

Side Effects of Certain Medications

Unfortunately, almost every medication has side effects, and one may be gum overgrowth. Make sure you understand the prescriptions you have and their potential impact on other parts of the body.

Hormonal or Systemic Issues

Certain conditions bring changes in the mouth. Pregnancy, menopause, or other hormone changes can lead to a smile that seems to have more gum tissue than before. Leukemia and some chronic issues also contribute to developing overgrown gums.

What Can You Do About Overgrown Gums?

In many cases, too much gum tissue is something you can fix and address! For instance, when you maintain a diligent and consistent oral hygiene routine at home with regular visits to the dentist, you can prevent your gums from becoming infected and inflamed in the first place. Often these simple habits alone can help you overcome overgrowth and balance out your smile.

Although you can’t change your genes, your dentist may have a solution: gum recontouring. By having excessive pieces of gum removed with a soft tissue laser, you can enjoy a more pleasing ratio of teeth to gums in your smile with less pain and less recovery time.

You may need to talk to your physician or whoever prescribed your medication about your symptoms. Perhaps they can use something different, allowing your gums to return to normal.

Again, certain changes in life may be unavoidable, but keeping up strong oral hygiene habits and continuing to visit the dentist can help you stay on track. Whether it’s a lifelong illness or a temporary hormone shift, your trusted dentist can offer support, advice, and treatment to preserve your smile as much as possible.

You may wish to ignore overgrown gums, but you can rescue your smile from gum disease or simply correct an aesthetic flaw with gum recontouring by working with your dentist regularly. Your gums are worth taking care of to support your teeth for the rest of your life and give you confidence to let your smile shine!

About the Practice

Applegate Dental in West Seneca is focused not only on your oral health but your overall wellness and happiness as well. Having a balanced, healthy smile allows you to perform daily tasks without feeling self-conscious. Our four talented, highly trained dentists are happy to explain the reasons behind issues they identify in your oral health and why treatment is necessary or recommended. Do you have a gummy smile or overgrowth of the gum tissue? Contact our team to schedule an appointment online or by calling our office at 716-668-4646.