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by Grace Clark
Are swollen and bleeding gums turning into a daily affair? Chances are, your gums are infected with bacteria. You definitely don’t want to ignore this. A gummy smile could make you feel conscious about your mouth, which is ultimately bad for your self-esteem. When the bacteria live in a harmonious relationship with the mouth, that’s when your gums are clean and healthy. However, when you stop paying attention to the conditions that lead to the growth of bacteria, you’re giving an invitation to a periodontal disease. This is where seeing a periodontist would be the right thing to do to in order to get treated immediately.
A gum disease may not only be bad for your oral health but also for your beauty. A smile is more than a facial expression and having an uneven smile can shrink your confidence. Living with a gum disease is less satisfying and your experience in tasting flavors and eating foods can take a major hit. It doesn’t stop just there. Many even begin to feel insecure, irritable and embarrassed and daily activities begin to feel more demanding.
Gum Problems Solved by Surgical Gum Treatments
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Gummy Smile
If you have a gummy smile, you have more than a couple of millimeters of gingiva exposed. The gum tissue that is between your teeth and upper lip is visible. Your gummy smile may be a result of genetics and is more commonly seen in women than men.
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Receding Gum Line
A receding gum line is a condition in which the roots of the teeth become exposed, leading to a greater risk of decay and eventually loss of teeth if not treated. The roots being exposed can lead to sensitivity to hot and cold foods, acids, and thus making eating an uncomfortable affair.
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An Uneven Gum Line
An uneven gum line occurs when some of your teeth are covered with more tissues than others. It can stick with you from birth or develop later. Poor brushing and flossing habits, medication side effects, conditions like diabetes and leukaemia as well as pregnancy can cause an uneven gum line.
Surgical Treatments
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Tissue Grafting
Tissue grafting is aimed at solving your gum problems and preventing it from re-occurring. This treatment involves a thin piece of tissue being taken from the roof of the mouth or adjacent areas and attaching it to the affected side. This covers your exposed roots and gives your mouth a pleasant appearance.
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Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is a treatment in which the gums are separated and folded back provisionally, to allow a dentist to reach the root of the tooth and the bone. Tiny incisions are made in your gum to allow a section of gum tissue to be lifted back. This exposes the roots for more effective scaling and root planning. Periodontitis often results in bone loss. This is where the underlying bone is recontoured, after which the gum tissue is stitched back in place. It becomes a lot easier to clean these areas that help in maintaining healthy gum tissue.
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Gum Contouring
Gum contouring can help with an overgrowth of gum tissue. A local anaesthetic and a laser are used in shaping a new, more uniform gumline. This treatment helps in removing the gum tissue to correct what is commonly known as a “gummy smile”. It refines the look of the gum line and improves the appearance of your smile. Correcting an uneven gum line will help in revealing more of each tooth for a bigger, brighter smile.
The bacteria leading to a gum disease are ugly little creatures! And it doesn’t stop at upsetting your smile. The bacteria can activate inflammatory reactions in the body that can lead to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, arthritis and even impotency. Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Give your gum line a makeover to sustain healthier teeth in the long run!
Author Bio: A dental marketer at Michael G. Long DDS, Fresno, CA and a believer in holistic health, Grace lives by the rule that health and happiness go hand in hand. She writes on various dental topics focusing on healthy living and holistic health. When she’s not working or blogging, she enjoys spending her time with her family and volunteering at the local youth centres where she educates children about the importance of health and fitness.