Having healthy gums is essential for overall oral health and having a beautiful smile. But if you’ve noticed that your gums are starting to cover your teeth, it can be concerning. When the gum tissues start to encroach over the teeth, it’s called gingival recession or receding gums. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors and can lead to several complications if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss the causes of receded gums, how to diagnose it and how to treat it.There are several reasons why your gums may be going over your teeth. These can include gum disease, misalignment of the teeth, poor dental hygiene, genetics, or even hormonal changes. Gum disease can cause the gums to become overly sensitive and recede from the teeth, leading to an overgrowth of tissue. Misalignment of the teeth due to overcrowding or other causes can cause a pocket to form between the gum and tooth, allowing bacteria to build up and cause inflammation. Poor dental hygiene such as not brushing and flossing regularly can also lead to an increase in bacteria and inflammation in the gums. Genetics may also play a role in how much gum tissue is present and how it reacts to certain stimuli. Lastly, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also cause the gums to become swollen or tender and overgrow around the teeth.
What Causes Gums to Cover Teeth?
Gum recession is a condition in which the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving them exposed. This can occur due to several factors, including gum disease, brushing too hard, genetics, and even certain medications. When the gums recede, they may cover part of the tooth or even the entire tooth. This condition can cause sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of tooth decay and infection.
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of gum recession. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line and irritates the tissue. If left untreated, inflammation can develop that causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. Brushing too hard can also cause gum recession because it can wear away at the enamel on your teeth and irritate your gums.
Genetics also play a role in gum recession as some people are more prone to developing it than others. Certain medications like chemotherapy drugs can also cause dry mouth which can lead to an increased risk of gum recession. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can make your gums more sensitive and susceptible to receding.
It’s important to visit your dentist if you notice any signs of gum recession so that they can diagnose and treat it accordingly. Treatment may include antibiotics as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or using a softer toothbrush. Your dentist may also recommend a procedure such as flap surgery to correct any damage caused by gum disease or cover exposed root surfaces with a regenerative material such as bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins.
In order to prevent gum recession from occurring in the first place, make sure you practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing daily. Additionally, visit your dentist regularly for checkups so they can monitor any changes in your gums or teeth that could indicate a problem.
Types of Gum Disease That Lead to Gums Growing Over Teeth
Gum disease is a serious and widespread oral health issue that affects many people around the world. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums, leading to infection, inflammation, and decay. If left untreated, gum disease can cause gums to grow over teeth, resulting in tooth loss. There are several types of gum disease that can lead to gums growing over teeth.
The most common type of gum disease is periodontitis. This condition occurs when plaque builds up around the gum line and causes inflammation in the surrounding tissues. As the inflammation progresses, it causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums. These pockets allow bacteria to accumulate beneath the gum line, leading to infection and further destruction of healthy tissue. Eventually, this can cause the gums to recede and cover part or all of a tooth’s root structure.
Another type of gum disease is advanced periodontitis, which is a more severe form of periodontitis. This condition usually occurs when periodontal treatment has been inadequate or absent for an extended period of time. In advanced cases, plaque builds up deep beneath the gum line and spreads rapidly throughout the mouth. This leads to significant destruction of healthy tissue and bone loss in the jawbone surrounding each tooth root. As a result, gums can grow over one or several teeth as they become exposed due to depth loss in these areas.
Finally, necrotizing periodontal disease (NPD) is another type of gum disease that can lead to gums growing over teeth if it goes untreated for too long. NPD is a rare but serious condition that occurs when bacteria invade deeper tissues beneath the gums and begin destroying them from within. This causes rapid destruction of healthy tissue and bone loss around each tooth root which leads to receding gums covering parts or all of these structures as well as causing pain and swelling in some cases
Preventing Gums from Going Over Teeth
It is important to take proper care of your teeth and gums in order to prevent them from going over your teeth. The most important step in preventing gum recession is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque from the surface of the teeth and prevent it from hardening into tartar, which can cause gum recession. Regular visits with a dentist can also help detect any potential issues before they become more serious.
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, it is important to avoid certain habits that can contribute to gum recession. Habits such as smoking, grinding your teeth, or using toothpicks can all put extra strain on the gums and cause them to recede. If you have any of these habits, it is important to try and break them in order to reduce the risk of gum recession.
Diet also plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help ensure that your teeth are getting the nutrients they need for good health. Additionally, some foods such as green tea have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which may be beneficial for keeping gums healthy.
Finally, regular dental checkups are essential for preventing gum problems before they become more serious. Your dentist will be able to check for signs of gum disease and provide treatment if necessary. They may also recommend specific products or procedures that may help protect your gums from further damage or recession. Taking all of these steps can help ensure that your gums remain healthy and do not go over your teeth.
Treatment Options for Gums That Are Growing Over Teeth
Gums that are growing over teeth can be an uncomfortable and painful condition. It can also lead to further dental problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help treat this condition.
One of the most common treatments is a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This involves removing the plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and below the gum line, which can help reduce inflammation and restore healthy gums. It may take multiple visits to complete this treatment.
Another option is surgery, which can be used to remove excess gum tissue or reshape the gum line. Surgery may also be used to reduce pockets between teeth and gums or replace missing bone tissue. This type of treatment is usually reserved for more advanced cases where other treatments have not been successful.
Medications may also be used to treat gums that are growing over teeth. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation, while antiseptics can help kill bacteria that cause infection in the gums. Corticosteroids are sometimes used to reduce swelling in severe cases, while topical medications may be applied directly to the affected area for faster healing.
Finally, lifestyle changes may also help treat this condition. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can improve oral health by providing essential nutrients for healthy gums and teeth. Quitting smoking can also improve gum health by reducing inflammation and plaque buildup on the teeth and gums. Additionally, regular dental visits can help diagnose any underlying issues before they become more serious problems.
In conclusion, there are several treatment options available for gums that are growing over teeth. A deep cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line, while surgery may be necessary for more advanced cases. Medications such as antibiotics or antiseptics may also be prescribed, along with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Finally, regular dental visits should always be scheduled so that any underlying issues can be diagnosed before they become more serious problems.
Periodontal Disease and Gums Growing Over Teeth
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums that can cause the tissue around the teeth to become inflamed and swollen. As the infection progresses, it can lead to gum recession and pockets forming between the teeth and gums. In some cases, if left untreated, periodontal disease can cause the gums to grow over the teeth, which can lead to a range of other dental problems.
Gum growth over teeth is known as gingival enlargement. It is caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth that irritates and inflames the gums. This inflammation causes an increase in tissue formation as well as changes in the shape of existing gum tissue. The effect is that the gums grow up over part or all of a tooth’s crown, making it difficult to clean effectively.
If gingival enlargement is left unchecked it can lead to further complications such as periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease). This occurs when plaque builds up below the gum line, causing pockets between teeth and gums which become infected and may contain pus. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause bone loss around the affected teeth leading to loose or missing teeth.
The most effective way to prevent gum growth over teeth is by maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing daily. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups so any issues with your oral health can be identified quickly before they become serious problems.