What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure wherein your dental care professional carefully realigns your gumline, remove gum tissue, or reshapes grafted gum tissue. Your gums provide a huge service to your mouth, keeping your teeth secure and transporting blood throughout the system. They are also huge targets for infection and disease, so we need to practice our best hygiene to protect them from gum recession, disease, and tissue loss.
What causes Gum disease?
Almost all disease is either inherited, or developed from infection. Some people genetically have high/low gums. Some are born with a lack of enamel to support proper tooth growth, which eventually leads to a decrease in gum volume. The most common cause is infection. Infection is a constant battle, your gums are consistently targeted by food and bacteria–everytime you eat or drink, there is a chance bacteria is accumulating on your gums and teeth.
What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
* Bleeding gums- Gingivitis is the most common form of gums disease. It is most often identified by a bleeding of gums after brushing or flossing. Patients will need to monitor and clean the area regularly to see if the bleeding stops.
* Receding Gums- If you notice your gums become paler, shrinking, or pulling away from the teeth it can be a sign of gum disease.
* Pain- Pain is always a sign something is wrong. Pain in the tooth, below the gumline, or in the jaw are all warnings signs of gum disease.
* Tooth Loss- When gums recede to a point, teeth begin to wear and fall out. There will also be pain the tooth root as the gum recedes to the point of exposure.
How to care for gum disease
1. Brush- Brush gently, many gum recession cases are due to over brushing. SPeak with your dentist and use a soft bristle toothbrush, work in gentle circles from the gumline up.
2. Floss- Be sure to reach down into the gumline, to remove tissue stuck under the tooth and in between the gum.
3. Mouthwash- Allows you to swish and gargle hard to reach places, and large areas like the cheek.
4. See your Hygienist- Accumulated plaque, tartar, all kinds of nasty buildup–most of which cannot be removed with a toothbrush. You must regularly see your dentist for a thorough cleaning and get yourself checked out. The best prevention for gum disease is early diagnosis.
What if my gums disease has progressed?
If your gums are recovered, but have lost tissue, it may make you feel self-conscious. That is why we offer gum contouring. After the infection and disease is treated, we can assess how to care for the gums and smile next. Sometimes this involves using a laser to reshape the gumline and highlight the smile. Other times it may involve a gum graft, and a reshaping of extra tissue to match otherwise healthy gums. For more options, and to take control of your smile, speak with your dentist today and ask about gum contouring.
