In many people, gums can rest too high or too low and while some people are not bothered by it some others are constantly trying to find ways to fix it. This can result in an uneven smile that makes you feel embarrassed leading to a lack of confidence.
In order to find the right treatment to fix uneven gums, firstly we should find what has caused them. This will not only offer amazing results but will also avoid future health risks.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about uneven gums, including their causes and the treatments available to address them. At Dr. Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic, our skilled dental professionals are committed to providing the right treatment for all your dental concerns, including uneven gums.
What Are Uneven Gums?
When the gum line surrounding your teeth is asymmetrical, uneven, or unbalanced, it is referred to as having uneven gums. As a result, certain teeth may appear taller or shorter than others, giving the appearance of an uneven smile.
Gum recession, overgrowth, natural differences in gum shape, and underlying oral health conditions including gum disease are some of the causes of uneven gums. Despite being a cosmetic concern, uneven gums might also be a sign of a more significant dental health issue that may need to be evaluated and treated by a dental professional.
The first step towards improving the look of your gums will be understanding the cause and then choosing the right treatment. This will result in a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Common Causes Of Uneven Gums
Some of the most common causes of uneven gums can be genetic predisposition, teeth misalignment, and aggressive tooth brushing.
If your gums are too high they can cover a large amount of your tooth which can seem strange and if your gums are too low they can expose the tooth roots and make them look longer than usual. This condition is medically known as gum recession.
Gum recession is a serious dental issue that can cause several problems with the worst being losing your teeth. Before addressing this issue it is important to understand what is causing it and this cannot be possible without the help of a dental expert.
Furthermore, we will mention some of the main causes of uneven gum lines, how they affect your facial proportions, and what can be done to address the issue.
Genetics and Natural Gum Shape: In some cases, uneven gum lines can be a result of inherited traits. The gums can either be higher making the teeth look smaller or they will be lower, making the teeth look longer. This is a normal trait and usually doesn’t require any treatment.
Gum Disease: Another common cause of uneven gums is gingivitis or periodontitis which are both gum diseases. These conditions come with a number of symptoms including inflammation, swelling and recession.
While gingivitis can be reversible with proper care and hygiene, periodontitis is not. If you neglect the issue you can end up with tissue loss and exposure of the tooth root and nerves which can lead to tooth loss.
Tooth Loss or Improper Tooth Alignment: Sometimes if the individual has missing teeth or they are misaligned this can make the gum line look disproportionate affecting the gum height or contour.
Excessive Brushing or Poor Oral Hygiene: Improper brushing and not using soft-bristled toothbrushes can wear down the gums causing them to recede unevenly. Additionally, this will lead to plaque buildup and inflammation of the gums.
Hormonal Changes: Sometimes, uneven gums can be a result of hormonal changes that are most common during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause. This can lead to gum sensitivity, swelling, and issues with the gum appearance.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Gum recession and uneven wear may result from persistent tooth grinding that puts pressure on the teeth and gums. In order to address this issue the dentist can recommend keeping a retainer to avoid the pressure.
Trauma or Injury: Sometimes, an irregular gum line can come as a result of accidents or injuries.
Poorly Fitted Dental Work: If your dentures, bridges, or crowns are not designed properly they can damage the gum line which can eventually cause them to recede or become uneven.
Smoking or Tobacco Use: As you might know, smoking can cause a reduction of blood flow on the gum line which can make them more prone to getting infected and leading to asymmetrical recession.
Diagnosing Uneven Gums
The first step in diagnosing the cause of uneven gums is a detailed examination of your mouth. This should be done with the help of a dentist or periodontist.
During this physical assessment, the dental professional will take a good look at your mouth for any small irregularities which can be asymmetry, recession, excessive gum tissue, or swelling of the area. Additionally, they will also check for any signs of gum disease like redness, bleeding, or plaque accumulation.
The patient’s medical and dental history will be checked by the dentist in addition to the physical examination. This includes talking about past dental procedures, oral hygiene practices, and any history of gum disease or other oral health conditions.
Additionally knowing if the patient smokes or has bruxism is also important as they can be contributing factors to an uneven gum line.
To get a more thorough understanding of the teeth, bones, and gum tissues, diagnostic imaging methods such as X-rays or 3D scans may also be used if necessary. These images can assist in locating structural problems that can be influencing the gum line, like bone loss or misplaced teeth.
With the use of these diagnostic instruments and methods, the dentist can identify the underlying reason for uneven gums and suggest the best course of treatment in each case.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures For Uneven Gums
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is the main procedure used in cases of uneven gums, especially in cases of gum recession. Gum recession is a condition where the gums that surround our teeth start to pull back. If this issue is neglected the tooth root will be exposed which can lead to more serious issues.
This condition will create gaps between teeth making it the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. If the condition is identified in the early stages, the dentist will recommend deep cleaning or taking antibiotics. Additionally, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential to help the gums return to their normal, healthy state.
However if the gum disease has become more severe and there is significant damage to the gums, a gum grafting procedure will be essential. During this procedure, the dental professional will cure the gums by covering the tooth roots and adding more skin to the gum line.
During this treatment, the patient will be under the effect of local anesthesia so they won’t feel anything. After that, the surgeon will make a small incision to create a flap in the gums. Then another small incision should be made from the roof of your mouth to harvest the gum graft.
The last step of the procedure will be placing the craft in the damaged area and stitching it in the right position. The recovery time after this treatment is minimal and side effects are minimal.
Gum Contouring
In cases when the patient suffers from overgrowth of the gums that cover a lot of tooth surface gum contouring will be the recommended treatment.
Overgrowth of the gum also known as a gummy smile is usually a genetic trait that consists of a gum line that extends on your teeth making them look much smaller than they really are. This can result in an uneven smile that can be unattractive for so many.
The gum contouring procedure will effectively change the shape of your gum line making it look more even and symmetrical. The first step of the procedure consists of administering the local anesthesia to numb the mouth and then the surgeon using a scalpel or laser to get rid of the excessive gum tissue that covers the teeth.
The leftover tissue is then shaped to reveal more of your teeth and level out the gum line. The surgeon may use stitches to keep the gum tissues in place. Depending on how much contouring and re-sculpting is done, the recovery period for this treatment may change.
Your gums will often heal and return to their normal state in a few days to weeks. To prevent problems and speed up healing, it is advised that you consume soft meals like soup, yogurt, and oatmeal for two to three days following the treatment.
Laser Therapy
Another gum contouring method that is used to remodel your gum line and make your teeth seem properly aligned is laser therapy. When compared to other cosmetic surgery techniques, this non-invasive procedure delivers the fastest results.
In laser treatment, your periodontist removes damaged gum tissue from the tooth root using a laser and then removes the tartar and plaque that may have formed around your gum line. The rough spots left from the laser will then be removed so the teeth and gums don’t become a living environment for the harmful bacteria.
After the treatment, most patients may return to their regular activities in a day or two. This treatment’s side effects include gum tissue discoloration, mild bleeding, and mild swelling that often goes away on its own without the need for intervention.
Preventing Uneven Gums
The best way to avoid an uneven gum line is to maintain good oral hygiene and address risk factors at their early stage. This will be the foundation for a healthy mouth. Preventing is always better than treating.
Regular dental hygiene includes brushing the teeth twice a day and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This way you will remove the plaque without damaging the gums. Also, you should regularly floss your teeth to make sure that there are no food particles stuck in them and to remove bacteria.
Preventing uneven gums also requires routine dental examinations. Regular professional cleanings aid in the removal of tartar accumulation that is impossible to eliminate with simple brushing and flossing. Dentists can identify early indicators of gum disease or other oral health conditions that could cause irregularities in the gums during these appointments and treat patients at the right time.
Additionally, another thing that contributes to uneven gum line is lifestyle choices. We recommend our patients avoid smoking or any tobacco use. This habit will reduce the blood flow and also lead to gum recession. Having a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals will support healthy gums and overall health so it is important to include them as much as possible, especially vitamin C and calcium.
In cases when the patients are at a higher risk of gum recession such as women going through pregnancy or menopause, a higher attention to oral hygiene and more frequent dental visits are necessary. These preventive steps can help people keep a healthy, symmetrical smile and lower their chance of having uneven gums.
FAQs About Uneven Gums
Can Uneven Gums Fix Themselves Naturally?
When it comes to uneven gums, treatment will be necessary as they won’t fix themselves without any help. If the condition is caused by underlying medical issues such as gum disease, addressing the issue is necessary but if the irregularity is due to genetic factors, cosmetic treatments will be recommended, if you want a more symmetrical smile.
Are Uneven Gums Always A Sign Of Gum Disease?
Uneven gums are not always caused by gum disease. While this is a common cause, there are other reasons for this irregularity such as hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, trauma, and misalignment issues. To find the right cause, you need to visit a professional dentist.
Are Gum Treatments For Uneven Gums Painful?
Gum treatments, in most cases, will be performed under the effect of local anesthesia so the patient won’t feel any discomfort or pain. However, after the procedure, the recovery can be a little painful but easily managed with painkiller medication that will be prescribed by a dental professional.
How Long Do The Results Of Gum Contouring Last?
If you have gone through with gum contouring treatment, the results will last through all your life. This is because the gum tissue does not grow back once it is removed. Keep in mind that maintaining regular dental hygiene and having regular checkups with the dentist is very important if you want to keep your gums healthy.
Can Orthodontic Treatment Help With Uneven Gums?
The main purpose of orthodontic treatments is to align teeth, after the treatment is done you will notice that your uneven gums will look better too. However, in cases when there is a pronounced gum asymmetry, gum contouring will be necessary.
How Do I Know If I Need Treatment For Uneven Gums?
We recommend our patients consult the dentist or periodontist if their uneven gums are causing discomfort or if they suspect an underlying issue may be the reason for this asymmetry. After they check your mouth they can recommend the right dental treatment for you.
Can Children Have Uneven Gums?
The only reason why children can have uneven gums is due to genetics. It is important to schedule regular dental visits so that a periodontist can monitor their health and development.
Are There Natural Remedies To Fix Uneven Gums?
Although there are many ways to keep the gums and teeth healthy, uneven gums cannot be treated naturally. In these cases, professional treatment will be required.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Gum Surgery?
The recovery period after gum surgery usually takes about two weeks. However, this is not the same for everyone, since there are some factors that can affect it such as the extent of the procedure. Additionally, during the recovery period, taking care of your mouth is a must so follow the dentist’s advice carefully.
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