Protect Your Gums

When people consider cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile, they rarely consider their gums. While Americans spend over 1.4 billion dollars a year on teeth whitening systems, over 75% of the country has some sort of gum problem and 47% of adults have gum disease. In today’s blog, Lake Forest cosmetic dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of our gums and the simple steps for preventing gum disease.

Gum Disease

Our gums safeguard the base of our teeth and contain connective tissue that anchors our teeth to the jaw. When your gums are endangered, the integrity of your smile is threatened. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects millions of Americans. In most cases, the disorder results from poor oral hygiene, but other causes include hormone changes, illness, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. Gum disease occurs when bacteria leads to inflammation in the gums. Over time, the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing pockets. When the bacteria invade these pockets, the early stages of gum disease begin. As your body fights the bacteria, the connective tissue and bone are weakened. If left untreated, a patient can lose their tooth and the infection can spread.

Gum Recession

Gum recession is a common, negative effect of gum disease. Patients start to experience tooth sensitivity and their teeth appear longer. If a patient doesn’t seek immediate treatment, surgery may be required to correct the damage to the gums.

With recession, it becomes more difficult to clean between your teeth. Between the teeth, the exposed roots have uneven surfaces or crevices with deep grooves that the floss won’t clean. Your dentist will often recommend interdental brushes, also called proxybrushes. These brushes do a great job of cleaning between the back teeth.

Excessive Gingival Display

This occurs when a patient displays too much gum when they smile. An embarrassing condition, excessive gingival display is caused by a variety of factors, including medication or an abnormal tooth eruption. 

Gum Prevention and Treatment

The best method of addressing gum disease is with prevention. Maintaining good oral hygiene reduces the risk of a patient developing gum disease. Brush twice a day, and floss at least once. Unfortunately, brushing alone is usually not sufficient for keeping tartar buildup at bay. That is why dentists so strongly urge patients to floss every day.

Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash, and always attend routine dental cleanings with cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fondriest. Avoid bad habits such as smoking and excessive snacking. These simple steps are often enough to avoid the symptoms of gum disease. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest provides treatment for excessive gingival display. With gum lifts, Dr. Fondriest and our team of dental professionals remove excess gum, improving your smile and ensuring healthy gums.

Schedule a Visit with Your Lake Forest Dentist

Interested in gummy smile correction? Schedule a visit with your Lake Forest cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fondriest, by calling 847-234-0517. Our 60045 dentist office welcomes patients from Lake Forest and North Shore suburbs near Chicago.