Understanding the causes and potential treatments can help in determining if it’s a natural characteristic or if it requires attention. Here, we explore whether a gummy smile is genetic and how you can improve your smile.

Genetics and Development

Being born with a gummy smile is often attributed to genetics. Just as you inherit other physical traits, the structure of your gums and teeth is influenced by your genetic makeup. If one or both of your parents have a gummy smile, you may have inherited it as well.

Gummy smile can be caused by disproportionate crown length or a hypermobile upper lip or a short upper lip [1]. All of these things can be influenced by genetics.

Tooth Eruption Patterns

Sometimes, a gummy smile can be due to the way your teeth have erupted from the gums during development. If the teeth are partially covered by gum tissue or if they haven’t erupted completely, it can create the appearance of a gummy smile. This is known as altered passive eruption and is fairly common.

Bone and Lip Structure

The positioning of the jawbone and how it relates to the upper lip can also play a significant role in the development of gummy smile. If the upper jaw protrudes or the lip is shorter or hypermobile, more gum tissue may show when you smile. These structural elements can be inherited traits or could develop over time due to various factors.

Medication-Induced Gingival Hyperplasia

Certain medications can cause gum overgrowth that contributes to a gummy smile appearance [2]. The main culprits include anticonvulsants (like phenytoin for seizures), calcium channel blockers (like nifedipine for high blood pressure), and immunosuppressants (like cyclosporine after organ transplants).

These drugs cause excessive gum tissue growth that typically begins within one to three months of treatment, making gums appear more prominent when smiling. If you suspect medication is affecting your gums, discuss alternatives with your physician and dentist.

Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile

If your gummy smile is a cosmetic concern or causes discomfort, several treatment options are available, including:

• Orthodontics. Braces or clear aligners can help in positioning teeth or jaw structures to reduce gum exposure.
• Periodontal surgery. Procedures like crown lengthening can reshape the gum line for better smile aesthetics.
• Botox injections. Botox can reduce excessive upper lip movement when smiling, correcting the appearance of gummy smile [3].
• Lip surgery. In some cases, a surgical procedure can permanently correct a hyperactive upper lip.

Consulting a Professional

Determining whether a gummy smile requires attention or treatment starts with consulting a dental professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate solutions based on individual needs and preferences.

If you have questions or concerns about your gummy smile and what options might be available to you, reach out to your dentist to discuss the best path forward. Your dental health and confidence in your smile are important, and expert guidance can help you make informed decisions!

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1073874624000033
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8481201/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470437/

The post Why Do I Have a Gummy Smile? Is It Something I Was Born With? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, gum tissue is not immune to problems, particularly disease and irritation that can
make gum tissue sensitive and painful. What exactly can cause gum sensitivity and what will
help it go away?

Brushing or Flossing Too Aggressively

Surprisingly, most people are using the wrong toothbrush. Brushing with a toothbrush that has
stiff bristles can harm gum tissue as well as your tooth enamel. As long as you’re using quality
brushing techniques, a soft-bristled toothbrush is your best bet to protect your gums and your
tooth enamel from damage.

Flossing too aggressively can also cause sensitive gum tissue, especially if you haven’t flossed in
a long time. Be gentle when flossing and don’t rush. Avoid making a sawing motion at your gum
tissue with the floss. By taking the time to brush and floss your teeth properly, you can avoid
irritating your gums!

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an unfortunate reality for millions of Americans today.
Symptoms of gum disease include swollen or sensitive gum tissue that may bleed [1]. Gum
disease is progressive and if left untreated can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss.

By the time gum disease produces symptoms, the disease is already progressing, which makes
getting regular checkups with your dentist all the more important. However, making an
appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms can help you get the treatment
you need as soon as possible to reverse your gum sensitivity.

Pregnancy

Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause increased blood flow to the gum tissue which
may make gums more swollen and sensitive [2]. Periodontal disease during pregnancy is also
common due to changing hormones and can cause sensitive teeth and bleeding gum tissue.

It’s safe to see your dentist while you’re pregnant and in fact may even be important not only
for your health but for the health of your baby, as periodontal disease has been linked to
premature birth and low birth weight, so get those checkups!

Chronic Stress

Experiencing stress from time to time is normal, but experiencing chronic, prolonged stress has
the potential to cause inflammation throughout the body as the result of the hormone cortisol.
This type of chronic inflammation can lead to symptoms of gum disease such as sensitive gum
tissue and has been linked to other health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes [3].

Your dentist can help you prevent gum disease with regular checkups and cleanings, and by
managing your stress, you’ll help your body as well as your smile!

Sensitive gum tissue is trying to tell you something, so don’t ignore gums that may be red,
tender, or inflamed. By seeing your dentist and getting a checkup to evaluate your gum health,
you can help protect and nourish your teeth with healthy gum tissue for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
2. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/swollen-gums-during-pregnancy/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88948/

The post What Causes Gum Sensitivity, and What Can You Do About It? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a toothache, you may have pain accompanied by a
persistent bad taste in your mouth, swelling in your face or gum tissue, and even a fever. These
are all signs and symptoms that you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Here are a few potential causes of your painful toothache that your dentist can evaluate your
smile for!

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay that has progressed to the point of a tooth infection is one of the primary reasons
people have toothaches. According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay can also
cause teeth to be sensitive and react to hot and cold foods and beverages and even cold air [1].

Unfortunately many people don’t realize they have a cavity until it has progressed to the point
of pain. Getting your tooth pain addressed as quickly as possible can eliminate the need for an
extraction and save your tooth!

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding—also referred to as bruxism—can put immense pressure on teeth that can lead
to aching. Most people who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth while asleep and are unaware
they have this habit.

If you’re consistently grinding your teeth, you could be experiencing painful aching as the result
of the additional stress on your teeth, which can cause tooth fractures, inflamed gum tissue,
and rapid tooth wear [2]. There is treatment for bruxism to curb the damage and alleviate your
pain!

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can cause teeth to ache. If gum disease progresses to the
point that it causes an active infection in the mouth, your gum tissue may contain pockets of
infection around your tooth roots that can lead to painful teeth and sore gums.

Gum disease is common in American adults; however, the earlier you catch the disease, the
easier it is to treat, so don’t wait to seek help.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth don’t erupt until the teenage years (and sometimes in early adulthood). Wisdom
teeth that are impacted come in at harsh angles, leading them to press against the surrounding
teeth which can cause toothaches that can worsen as the wisdom teeth attempt to emerge.

Only x-rays with your dentist can tell if your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be
extracted. Wisdom tooth extractions are common and a relatively simple procedure that can
alleviate your toothache and get your smile feeling good again in no time!

Oral Cancer

Pain in the mouth is also associated with oral cancer and may masquerade as a toothache.
Some of the symptoms of a tooth infection and oral cancer can overlap, such as having a lump
in the mouth, swelling, or trouble swallowing [3]. Your dentist can conduct an oral cancer
screening during your exam to determine if you should be evaluated further for oral cancer.

See Your Dentist!

Whether your toothache is being caused by a simple cavity or a complex case of gum disease,
it’s never wise to ignore pain. Your dentist can tell what’s going on and work with you to
effectively treat the root cause of your toothache so that you can feel better as soon as
possible!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4761372/
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

The post What Could Be Causing That Painful Toothache? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While most people keep an eye out for typical pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or a missed period, your teeth and gums might be more telling than you think. Is teeth and gum sensitivity a symptom of pregnancy? The answer might surprise you!

Hormones Can Alter Your Level of Teeth and Gum Sensitivity

Hormones are powerful messengers in the body, and yes, they can make your teeth and gums more sensitive! Some mothers-to-be go through periods of teeth and gum sensitivity, while others may have it consistently throughout their pregnancy.

In fact, hormones can even alter the way your body responds to a potential infection, such as the infection that can come with gum disease. These changes can cause sensitive teeth and gums, which should always be checked out by a dentist to protect you and your little one!

Increased Circulation Can Cause Swollen Gums

Most women will experience an increase in blood circulation during pregnancy in order to provide the developing fetus with nutrients during this essential time. However, this increased blood flow can cause your gum tissue to swell and become sensitive as well.

You may find that brushing your teeth is painful, or, you may have sensitivity to hot and cold foods where you didn’t have sensitivity before. However, swollen gums can also be a symptom of gum disease, so if this symptom persists, don’t hesitate to follow up with your dentist.

Many Expecting Mothers Are Prone to Gum Disease

Pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease due to their fluctuating hormones. If you’re vomiting as a result of the morning sickness that the majority of new mothers experience, your teeth can be negatively impacted by your pregnancy.

If you’re seeing symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen, red gums, bad breath, or increased tooth sensitivity, don’t just blame it on your pregnancy. Gum disease in women has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight, so getting this infection treated is not only important to your health, but to your baby’s health as well.

Getting treatment for gum disease during pregnancy is safe, so schedule an appointment with your dentist if you’re having symptoms to ensure you have a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Are you concerned you might be pregnant? It’s true that changes in your oral cavity—including increased teeth and gum sensitivity—can be a symptom of pregnancy. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist during your pregnancy to get your smile checked out. You’ll enjoy your pregnancy even more with a healthy smile!

The post Is Teeth and Gum Sensitivity a Symptom of Pregnancy? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental crown lengthening is a process that involves removing some gum tissue in order to
expose more of your tooth. Why would this need to be done? Here’s what you need to know
about a dental crown lengthening.

To Support a Restoration

If you’ve experienced trauma to your tooth—for instance, a cavity below your gumline or even
a tooth that’s broken off close to or below the gumline—gum tissue may prevent your dentist
from performing a complete restoration.

In cases such as these, a small amount of gum tissue may need to be removed in order for your
dentist to fully access your tooth and properly complete the restoration.

Restorations are the most common reasons a dental crown lengthening procedure is done, and
it’ll typically be done by a periodontist, who is a dentist that specializes in gum tissue. Your gum
tissue will be carefully reshaped in order to support your restoration and facilitate a healthy
smile!

To Help Gummy Smile

You may have gummy smile if an excessive amount of gum tissue covers the crowns of your
teeth. Gummy smile is often a subjective diagnosis and is more pronounced in some individuals
than in others. Gummy smile is typically the result of genetics and is more common in women
than in men.

If you have gummy smile, you may have the option of getting your gums reshaped to expose
more of your dental crown in a crown lengthening procedure done by a periodontist. During
this procedure, a laser will be used to reshape your gum tissue and remove unnecessary gum
tissue that’s covering your teeth and giving your smile a “gummy” appearance.

What Can I Expect?

Fortunately, a crown lengthening procedure is fairly straightforward. The procedure is typically
performed by a periodontist with local anesthesia. If you have dental anxiety and would like to
be sedated, you can talk with your periodontist about this option.

Only infinitesimal amounts of gum tissue are removed during the procedure, and while the full
recovery time will take approximately two weeks, you should be able to return to work and any
normal activities the day after the procedure.

For most patients, dental crown lengthening procedures can be managed with over-the-
counter pain medication. If you’re having a crown lengthening procedure done in order to
support a dental restoration, you’ll need to wait approximately 4-6 weeks in order to fully complete the restoration.

For patients who need a dental crown lengthening procedure, this procedure can go a long way
towards helping your smile get the restoration it needs or helping you enhance your
appearance if you have gummy smile. Your dentist will let you know if you need this procedure
and what you can expect during your appointment!

The post What Is Dental Crown Lengthening and When Is It Needed? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What types of gum grafts are commonly done and what can you expect from this procedure?

Connective Tissue Gum Graft

For this gum graft procedure, a flap of skin is removed from the roof of your mouth in order for
your periodontist—a gum specialist—to access the connective tissue underneath. Once the
connective tissue is removed, it’s attached to the gum tissue where a tooth root is exposed.
Your oral surgeon will reattach the flap of skin removed from the roof of your mouth once the
connective tissue is used. After this, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions for healing.

Free Gingival Gum Graft

Similarly to a connective tissue gum graft, tissue from the roof of the mouth is still used, but
there isn’t a need to access the connective tissue. In this procedure, the flap of skin that’s
removed will be placed directly on the affected gum tissue.

People who qualify from this procedure typically have thin or weak gum tissue and will need
this flap of skin to supplement and strengthen the existing gum tissue in addition to covering
the exposed tooth root.

Pedicle Gum Graft

During a pedicle gum graft, gum tissue is actually removed near the tooth that needs the graft.
Only people who have enough existing gum tissue near the affected tooth are candidates for
this gum grafting procedure.

For a pedicle gum graft, only part of the gum tissue is cut while the other part remains
attached. The gum tissue is then pulled over the exposed root to cover and protect it and is
then attached into place.

What to Expect During a Gum Graft

The name gum graft is worse than it sounds, as the procedure is relatively simple. Local
anesthesia will be used unless you arrange otherwise before the procedure. The procedure
itself typically doesn’t take much time, and you’ll be able to return to your normal activities the
next day.

Your oral surgeon may provide you with a list of suggested foods for the next week or two while
your mouth heals. Typically, softer foods are suggested and can help facilitate faster healing of
your gum tissue. Full recovery time can be expected in approximately two weeks. Be sure to
follow any instructions your doctor gives you for after the procedure!

Only a professional dentist or periodontist can tell you if you need a gum graft. Typically, gum
grafts are reserved for people who have experienced gum disease and gum recession as a
result. Since gum recession can be unsightly and painful, gum grafts can help many people to
regain healthy gum tissue and protect their tooth roots!

The post What Is Gum Grafting? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Cigarette smokers are more prone to many different illnesses. In addition to increasing your risk
for asthma, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, cigarette smokers are also more likely to have
dental health issues. Here’s how cigarette smoke can damage your smile.

Gum Disease

Cigarette smoke affects the soft tissues of the mouth in addition to the teeth. Your gum tissue
is essential in supporting your teeth. Smoking inhibits blood circulation in the gum tissue,
meaning the teeth won’t be as healthy due to lack of blood supply and nutrients in the gums.

Smoking also means you’re more likely to get infections, such as those from gum disease,
because your immune system is impacted by the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke. People
who smoke are not only twice as likely to get gum disease, but gum disease is harder to treat in
people who smoke because the body doesn’t respond as well to treatments as someone with a
healthy immune system.

The longer you smoke and the more you smoke, the more your smile will be impacted by oral
health problems such as gum disease.

Oral Cancer

The immune system is impacted by cigarette smoke in addition to your cells—healthy cells have
the potential to turn cancerous, meaning oral cancer is a very real risk for smokers.

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, throat, and tongue. People who smoke aren’t just
affected by oral cancer. Tobacco is known to cause lung cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer,
and pancreatic cancer, in addition to being linked to many other diseases.

Smokers can expect to have a substantially greater risk for oral cancer than non-smokers. Most
dentists advocate for an oral cancer screening yearly for everyone, not just people who smoke.
People who smoke may be encouraged to come in more often for these screenings.

Tooth Loss

Along with increased plaque and tartar in the mouth, smoking affects the teeth as well as the
immune system and your gum tissue, which, of course, are all connected!

Since smoking can impact the gum tissue and cause infections and gum recession, teeth have
the potential to fall out. Gum tissue plays a major role in supporting teeth, and gum disease is
one of the major causes of tooth loss in older adults.

In addition, smoking causes loss of bone in your jaw, which can further inhibit the necessary
support for your teeth. Smoking cigarettes also means your body doesn’t heal as well as
someone who doesn’t smoke, so smokers typically see lower success rates with tooth
replacements such as dental implants.

If you’re a daily smoker or even just a recreational one, you’re increasing your chances for
major oral health problems. In addition to seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup,
ask your doctor or dentist about quitting. Your body and your smile will thank you!

The post Are Cigarette Smokers More Prone to Dental Health Issues? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease and also the mildest. When plaque isn’t fully
removed from teeth, these bacteria can lead to gingivitis, causing inflammation and irritation in
the gums.

Fortunately, gingivitis is the easiest form of gum disease to treat and can actually be reversed.
Your dentist will most likely recommend a deep cleaning to remove all the bacteria responsible
for your gingivitis. After this, proper home care and regular dentist visits will be instrumental to
keeping gum disease away.

Periodontitis

Once your gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, you’ll have a harder time reversing the
disease, but it can certainly still be treated. Chronic periodontitis happens when the bacteria
have caused pockets of infection in the surrounding gum tissue and your gums may be receding
from your teeth, resulting in the appearance of longer-looking teeth.

At this stage of gum disease, your dentist will likely still perform a deep cleaning to stop the
disease from causing further damage and prescribe antibiotics to help combat the active
infection. In severe cases, patients may need a procedure to help reconstruct the gum tissue.

Aggressive Periodontitis

Some people will experience an aggressive form of gum disease, in which the health of your
gums is compromised by the quick loss of gum tissue. This form of gum disease is very similar to
traditional periodontitis except it progresses faster. People who have a family history of gum
disease and people who smoke have an increased chance of experiencing aggressive
periodontitis.

Your dentist will talk with you about your treatment, which will be similar to periodontitis, but
may require surgery to help save your gum tissue. Seeking treatment is important before your
smile is totally compromised!

Necrotizing Periodontitis

In people who have compromised immune systems, death of the gum tissue may occur and
cause major damage to the ligaments that help hold teeth in place. This form of gum disease is
rare and is usually associated with another medical problem. Your dentist and physician will
work together to create the best treatment plan for you in the event that you’re experiencing
this form of gum disease.

If you’re experiencing red or bleeding gums, gum recession, or sensitive teeth, you could be
experiencing symptoms of gum disease. All forms of gum disease are treatable, so make an
appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to evaluate your smile. Since gum disease is
the leading cause of tooth loss, there’s a not a moment to wait!

The post Are There Different Types of Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

It’s likely that your overbite is a combination of features that were inherited from your parents.
Of course, it might not seem like a big deal that your bottom row of teeth is covered. However,
you might want to reconsider getting your overbite checked out after reading about these oral
health problems it might cause.

Tooth Decay

Overbites can cause your teeth to wear down in ways they wouldn’t normally if the overbite
wasn’t present. What this means is that your teeth may be rubbing against each other and
wearing down your tooth enamel without you even realizing it. This could result in an increased
risk for tooth decay as well as tooth sensitivity in the areas with damaged enamel. Your
overbite may just be the cause of your cavities!

Jaw Pain

Since overbites are something of a strain on the teeth, they can cause persistent jaw or facial
pain similar to that of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Your symptoms may be worse
when chewing food or when attempting to open the mouth fully, such as while yawning. If
you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, it could be your overbite! Your dentist or an
orthodontist can assess your jaw to discover what the problem is and come up with a
treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.

Gum Disease

It’s estimated that over 45% of Americans have gum disease! Damaged gums can come from
teeth hitting the gum tissue in a way they’re not supposed to, especially in abnormal bites. If
you have an overbite, your lower teeth may hit the gum tissue behind the front teeth. This can not only cause gum damage and inflammation, but could be a contributing factor to gum
disease, especially if you already are at risk for the disease or have gingivitis, the beginning
stage of gum disease.

What You Can Do

Fortunately, correcting an overbite is often something that can be done simply and
permanently with orthodontic treatment. You can visit your dentist to get a referral to an
orthodontist in the area. Often braces alone can correct the problem by shifting your teeth into
their proper positions. If you need further treatment such as surgical intervention, you can talk
about this with your orthodontist, however, this method of treatment is rare.

Do you have a noticeable overbite? Overbites not only make your face look shorter, they can
also be responsible for numerous oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and
jaw pain. The only way to properly and permanently correct an overbite is with professional
treatment. Visit your dentist today to discover if an overbite could be causing your oral health
problems, and if so, what you can do about it!

The post Top Oral Health Problems Caused by Overbites appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When your wisdom teeth don’t have room to come in all the way, they may only erupt through
the gums partially, or push horizontally against the other teeth. Either way, these impacted
wisdom teeth can cause damage through crowding or problems with the gum tissue. Partially
erupted wisdom teeth can cause bacteria to grow, causing pericoronitis, or an infection in your
wisdom teeth.

What are the signs of a wisdom tooth infection? Here’s what you need to look out for!

Red Swollen Gums

If you’re able to see your wisdom teeth in the back of your mouth, you may notice red,
inflamed gums around one or more of your wisdom teeth if you have an infection. Although
you may or may not see any pus, the swelling or tenderness in that area may make it
uncomfortable for you to bite down properly. Puffy gum tissue around the infected site and
redness may be signs of pericoronitis.

Bad Taste or Smell in Your Mouth

One sign of an infection in your oral cavity is a foul taste in your mouth or a bad smell. In
addition to this, you may also see pus coming from the gum tissue near the infected tooth. This
taste will return after brushing and will normally persist until the infection is taken care of. If
you notice these signs, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to evaluate the
problem!

Swollen Lymph Nodes or Fever

If your infection is more severe, you may have swollen lymph nodes just below your chin, which
usually indicates that your body is trying to fight off an infection. You may also have a fever or
chills, and additional swelling on the side of your face with your affected tooth. Some people
even experience jaw muscle spasms. All of these are signs that you need to get checked out to
determine what’s causing the problem.

How Periocoronitis Is Treated

In order to make the infection go away, you’ll need to have your dentist properly clear the
infection, and you’ll likely need to be on antibiotics. You may also need to have your wisdom
teeth extracted, or have gum tissue around the area removed so that the infection doesn’t
return. Your dentist will discuss the best options for your treatment with you once your
symptoms are evaluated and a diagnosis is made.

Are you experiencing signs of wisdom tooth infection? If your wisdom teeth are still intact and
you’ve been seeing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Since oral infections can get into the bloodstream, it’s imperative that you get the problem
addressed as soon as possible. Get your wisdom teeth checked out if you have these signs!

The post Top Signs of Wisdom Tooth Infection appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.