New research is changing the way a lot of people think about their pearly whites. But as your cosmetic dental expert in Marietta, we want to remind you that flossing is still important, and your smile is just as powerful as ever.
If you’ve got too much gum tissue covering up your teeth, you’re probably not as confident in the way your smile looks — which means your overall confidence can suffer as a result.
Consider Your Gums
You want your gums to be healthy, but you also want to make sure they don’t cover up too much of your tooth enamel. People who are dealing with a gummy smile may have a hard time placing their finger on just what it is they don’t like about their teeth — but seeking the opinion of a smile expert can help to identify when the issue is actually with your gums.
A gummy smile can be the result of several factors, including…
- Too much gum tissue covering the upper teeth
- An upper lip that pulls back, revealing much of the gums
- Worn teeth that appear very short
- Size of the upper jaw
- Genetic factors influencing the size and shape of teeth
When your gums are out of proportion with your smile, you see a lot of gum, and not enough of your beautiful white teeth.
Too Much Teeth, Too Little Gums
Of course, the opposite of a gummy smile — when there is not enough periodontal tissue present — may also require cosmetic attention to help you smile confidently. Gum recession can cause your teeth to look too long, appearing fang-like in the jaw. Your gums may pull away from the teeth for a number of reasons, including:
- Gum (periodontal) disease
- Aggressive toothbrushing
- Poor dental hygiene
Prevent gum recession by maintaining excellent hygiene habits, and brushing your teeth gently. While it may feel like aggressive brushing gets the teeth and gums extra clean, you are actually doing irreparable damage with those hard back and forth strokes. Remember to clean in gentle, circular motions for gums that stay healthy.
