Your gums play an important role in both your appearance and your overall oral health. An uneven gum line can make some teeth look longer or shorter than others, which can affect how your smile looks, but receding gums in particular can indicate underlying gum disease.
An uneven gum line can develop for several reasons. Genetics, gum disease, injury, and natural variations in gum tissue can all contribute to differences in the height or shape of the gum line.
What Causes Receding Gums?
Gum recession occurs when gum tissue slowly pulls away from your teeth. As your gums recede, more of your tooth can become visible, even some of the tooth root. This can cause tooth sensitivity that can be painful and make teeth appear longer than they used to.
Several things can contribute to receding gums. Periodontal disease is one of the most common and most concerning causes. Aggressive brushing habits, teeth grinding, tobacco use, and age-related changes may also play a role. Identifying the cause is an important step to prevent further recession.
How to Fix an Uneven Gum Line
If you’re wondering how to fix uneven gums, treatment depends on what’s causing the problem. If you have excess gum tissue, we may recommend a cosmetic gum contouring procedure. This treatment carefully reshapes the gum line to make it more balanced and symmetrical, providing uneven gum line correction for a more even-looking smile.
Unfortunately, if you have receding gums, there isn’t a way to regrow them. What we focus on instead is protecting the teeth and restoring overall gum health. For advanced cases, this may include gum grafting in Dallas. During a gum graft, healthy tissue is used to cover exposed root surfaces and rebuild areas affected by severe recession.
Can You Get Dental Implants with Receding Gums?
Yes, many people with gum recession still have enough healthy gum tissue to properly support dental implants. However, keep in mind that you may need preparatory treatments before the implant process can begin if you have active periodontal disease or severe gum recession with tooth root exposure.
Protecting Your Gum Health
Healthy gums start with good daily habits. Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss every day, and keep up with your regular dental checkups to help lower your risk of gum problems.
One of the best ways to get started toward a better smile is to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Brad Crump at BC Perio. Early treatment leads to better outcomes and can help preserve your smile for years to come.
