March 8, 2017 | Dental Blog,
Why you get “long in the tooth” — and what your dentist can do about it
Have you looked closely at your smile lately and noticed that your teeth look longer than you think they should? A smile that looks “toothy” can be a sign of gum recession, a common condition that affects millions of adults. When gums lose their snug attachment to the neck of the teeth, they can start to recede — eventually exposing the yellowish cementum, the surface layer of the tooth’s roots. Not only does that look unsightly, especially in highly visible areas of the mouth, but it can also cause discomfort.
Gum disease is a major cause of gum recession. However, recession can happen even in a healthy mouth, especially in people who have thin gum tissue. The type of gum tissue a person has — thin or thick — is determined by genetics. Thin gum tissue recedes more easily since it is more vulnerable to wear and tear — especially as we age. On the other hand, thicker gum tissue is more robust and less likely to be damaged by trauma and inflammation. Severe gum recession can make it harder for you to smile, talk, and eat with confidence and comfort; fortunately, there are many effective ways to treat it. Let’s take a closer look at how this problem occurs and what can be done about it… More