The forgotten part of smiles

The forgotten part of smiles

Many features make up a smile, from the shape of your face and lips to your pearly whites. Even your eyes play a role for some people! There is one element many people forget, though.

How often do you think about your gums? They frame your teeth for all to see, and a subtle change can make a major difference to a smile. Healthy gums are firm, and a pink or a light brown dependent on your skin tone. Achieving visibly brilliant gums requires simple but effective care.

Daily Gum Care

Gum disease is very common and presents itself with red, inflamed gums. They could bleed when brushing or eating hard foods. You may feel sore and visibly see your gums receding. Plaque builds up on teeth and the bacteria in it irritates the gums.

Luckily reducing the risk of gum disease is simple with an effective oral care routine. Using a soft bristled toothbrush can reduce bleeding and irritation of the gums. A toothpaste that is high in fluoride can prevent tooth decay and repair parts of teeth that are vulnerable to bacteria.

Your dentist or dental hygienist/therapist may have recommended using an interdental brush to prevent gum disease. They clean between teeth and remove debris that will be hard to reach with a normal toothbrush. Studies have found them to be more effective than string floss. Interdental brushes can also stimulate blood flow in the gums. This increases the protection against infection.

Including these in a daily oral care routine will lead to healthier gums and smiles.

Treatments for your gums

Each person’s gums are unique, in both health and aesthetics.

People with gum disease could undergo periodontal therapy. This is typically a non-surgical approach to cleaning gums. Your dentist or dental hygienist/therapist will deep clean under and along the gumline. The gum can then reattach and begin to heal.

If you feel you have a gummy smile with teeth that look too small, you may have a low gumline. A procedure called gum contouring alters this by removing excess tissue. If this is an issue for you, your practitioner may be able to reshape the gums to display your teeth and smile naturally.

On the other hand, your gums may have shrunk (receded). This could be natural or caused by aggressive brushing, or gum disease. Periodontal Plastic Surgery, commonly called gum grafts, builds up the tissue to restore the gumline. This can produce a balanced smile and reduce sensitivity that occurs when teeth lose gum coverage.

Our highly skilled dentists are members of the world-leading British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD). They use the latest treatments to help you achieve a brilliant, healthy smile. Our practitioners commit to clinical excellence and giving you the care that you deserve for complete confidence.

If you want more information on keeping your gums healthy, get in touch with us today. Looking after your gums is the next big step in perfecting your smile.