A gummy smile is a cosmetic concern that most people feel ashamed of, but the good news is that it is easily preventable with early oral care. At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we are sure that getting things right from the beginning can ensure that your child or you will never have to suffer from these aesthetic issues in later years. Preventing gummy smiles isn’t simply about getting your smile to be prettier – it’s about keeping gums and teeth healthy for many years to come.

A gummy smile is when too much gum tissue is visible upon smiling, which can potentially lead to low confidence in social settings. While genetics is potentially a contributing factor, lack of oral hygiene can create a gummy smile. The right dental and oral hygiene and timely intervention can prevent the problem or reduce its impact. Let’s explore how to prevent gummy smiles with simple, effective dental hygiene.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Let’s know first the causes of a gummy smile before we discuss prevention tips. The most common causes are:

• Excess gum tissue: When your gums cover your teeth more than they should.
• Teeth eruption issues: If your teeth have not erupted properly or are shorter than normal, they will cause your gums to appear larger.
• Jaw alignment issues: An overactive top jaw or misalignment can cause the gums to show more when you smile.
• Genetic factor: Some people are just born with too much gum tissue.

Early Dental Care Tips to Prevent Gummy Smiles

Now that we know what causes gummy smiles, here are some things you can do to prevent them. These simple, preventive measures can reduce your risk:

Start Oral Care Early

Prevention is the key to any smile issue. Get off on the right foot with good oral hygiene. Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush to reduce friction with soft gum tissues.

Schedule Regular Visits to Your Dentist

Always follow a routine to visit a local dentist for regular checkups (twice a year) allows you to determine whether there is anything wrong with your smile or gum tissues, such as a gummy smile. On-time treatment can prevent more invasive techniques down the road. 

Cosmetic Gum Shaping in Hugo

If you already have a gummy smile, cosmetic gum reshaping will reshape the gums and get them in better alignment with the teeth. This is a good choice for those who have developed extra gum tissue that may be causing a gummy smile. This is an oral treatment option when you choose Lakeview Family Dentistry as your dental care team.

Promote Healthy Gums and Teeth

While the subject at hand is how to prevent a gummy smile, don’t forget that overall oral health is a giant part of aesthetics. Healthy mouth = healthier gum tissue and less likelihood of developing gum disease. Do this:

• Floss daily to prevent plaque buildup that could result in gum issues.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet to promote overall gum health and tooth eruption.
• Brush teeth using fluoride toothpaste to harden teeth and keep gums healthy.

Preventing a gummy smile is not only about appearance; it’s about setting the stage for successful, healthy smiles in the future. At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we provide you with the tools to give yourself the components needed to achieve fantastic oral health and a beautiful smile. Schedule a visit to our dental care team in Hugo!