If you’ve ever looked in the mirror while flossing and noticed variations in your gum line, you may have brushed them off as a harmless cosmetic issue. While this may indeed be the case, in certain circumstances, uneven gums warrant a visit to the dentist’s office. Discover whether you need to take action to address your gum unevenness with the helpful guide below.  

Why Do Uneven Gums Occur?

Your gum line can be influenced by a number of different factors, including genetics, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors such as tobacco use. Aggressive brushing and neglecting to floss can cause gums to recede over time. But if you’ve always had larger or smaller gums, it’s likely the characteristic was inherited. Nonetheless, if your teeth suddenly appear taller in certain areas, it could point to gum disease, which must be addressed by a dentist.

How Can They Be Treated?

Treatment for gum line variations will depend on the root cause for the condition. If it’s a cosmetic issue you’d like addressed, a gingivectomy can be performed to strategically remove extra gum tissue. Another surgical procedure which may be used is gum contouring, in which dentists reshape the gum line to achieve even and natural-looking results.

While usually a cosmetic procedure, gum contouring may also be used in conjunction with procedures such as gum grafting to combat serious dental issues such as gum recession. Typically, this symptom appears in the advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. Left unaddressed, the disease can also lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration. If gum disease is the cause for your uneven gums, the dentist may be able to help you control the disease first through treatments such as scaling, root planning, and medication before surgery.

If you’ve noticed uneven gums or have any other cosmetic or general dental concern, allow Gladstein Dental Center to help. Offering gum treatment, this New Britain, CT, office has served Hartford County residents for nearly three decades. Dentist Eric L. Gladstein, DMD, MAGD, and his caring staff provide a broad range of services, including general, restorative, and cosmetic treatments. Browse through their full list of treatments online or call (860) 223-1162 to schedule an appointment.