Gums growing over teeth can make the teeth look shorter or partly covered by gum tissue. It may happen gradually or appear more noticeable after gum swelling. While the condition is not always serious, gums that grow or swell over the teeth should not be ignored.
The most common causes include gum inflammation, excess gum tissue, certain medications, genetics, and problems with how the teeth have erupted. Treatment depends on the reason behind the gum overgrowth. A dentist can examine your gums and teeth to determine the cause and recommend the right treatment.
Why Are My Gums Growing Over My Teeth?
Several conditions can cause the gums to appear as though they are growing over the teeth.
Gum Inflammation
Poor oral hygiene can allow plaque and bacteria to build up around the teeth. This can cause the gums to become swollen, red, and tender. When the gums swell, they may cover more of the tooth surface than usual.
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease that commonly causes swollen or bleeding gums. If it is not treated, gum disease can progress and affect the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
Excess Gum Tissue
Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others. Genetics can affect the size and shape of the gums, making the teeth appear smaller or partially covered.
In some cases, the teeth may not have fully erupted, leaving part of the tooth covered by gum tissue. This can create the appearance that the gums are growing over the teeth.
Certain Medications
Some medications can cause gum enlargement or overgrowth as a side effect. If you have noticed changes in your gums after starting a medication, tell your dentist and doctor.
Do not stop taking prescribed medication without speaking with the doctor who prescribed it.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive and more likely to swell. Pregnancy and other hormonal changes may increase the body’s response to plaque, making gum swelling more noticeable.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are especially important during these periods.
What Are the Signs of Gum Overgrowth?
Gums growing over teeth may not always cause pain. However, you may notice one or more of the following signs:
- Teeth appearing shorter than before
- Swollen or enlarged gums
- Red or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Difficulty cleaning around the gum line
- Food getting trapped around the gums
- Bad breath
- Changes in the appearance of your smile
- Gum tissue covering part of a tooth
If the gum tissue is painful, bleeds frequently, or continues to increase in size, it is important to have it checked by a dentist.
Is It Normal for Gums to Cover Teeth?
A small amount of gum tissue naturally surrounds and protects each tooth. However, if the gums suddenly become larger or begin covering more of the visible tooth, it may indicate swelling or gum overgrowth.
It is particularly important to have new changes examined if they are accompanied by bleeding, pain, bad breath, pus, or loose teeth. These symptoms can be associated with gum disease and should be professionally assessed.
How Can You Stop Gums From Growing Over Teeth?
The treatment depends on what is causing the gum enlargement.
Improve Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning between the teeth can help control plaque. Good oral hygiene is important for preventing gum inflammation and maintaining healthy gums.
However, if significant gum overgrowth is already present, brushing alone may not remove the underlying problem.
Professional Dental Cleaning
If plaque and tartar are contributing to swollen gums, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended.
Your dentist can remove deposits that cannot be effectively removed with regular brushing and flossing at home. Treating gum inflammation early may help prevent the problem from becoming more advanced.
Treat Underlying Gum Disease
If gum overgrowth is related to gingivitis or periodontitis, the underlying gum disease needs to be treated. Depending on its severity, treatment may involve professional cleaning, periodontal care, improved home hygiene, and regular monitoring.
Treating the cause is important rather than focusing only on how the gums look.
What Is Gum Reshaping?
When excess gum tissue continues to cover part of the teeth, gum reshaping, also known as gingivectomy or gum contouring, may be an option for suitable patients.
Gum reshaping involves carefully removing excess gum tissue and creating a more even gum line. This can make more of the natural tooth visible and improve the balance of the smile.
At Oris Dental Center, laser technology is used for certain gum reshaping procedures. The treatment is designed to create a more symmetrical gum line while being minimally invasive.
However, gum reshaping is not appropriate for everyone. The dentist must first determine why the gums are covering the teeth and whether there is an underlying gum problem that needs treatment.
Is Gum Reshaping Painful?
Gum reshaping is generally performed with local anaesthesia to keep the procedure comfortable. Laser techniques can allow precise treatment of excess gum tissue and may reduce bleeding and recovery time in suitable cases.
The recovery experience varies depending on how much gum tissue is treated and the individual’s oral health.
Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions to help the gums heal properly.
When Should You See a Dentist?
You should schedule a dental examination if you notice that your gums are gradually covering more of your teeth or if the change is sudden.
A dentist should particularly evaluate gums that are:
- Swollen for a long period
- Frequently bleeding
- Painful or tender
- Covering a noticeable portion of the teeth
- Associated with persistent bad breath
- Causing difficulty with brushing or flossing
- Accompanied by loose or shifting teeth
Early evaluation can help identify gum disease or another underlying cause before it becomes more difficult to manage.
Gums Growing Over Teeth: Treatment at Oris Dental Center
Oris Dental Center provides general, preventive, cosmetic, and gum-related dental care in Dubai. Its services include gum care, gum whitening, and gum reshaping using advanced techniques.
For patients concerned about gums growing over teeth, the first step is a proper dental examination. The dentist can assess the gum tissue, teeth, bite, and overall oral health before recommending treatment.
If excess gum tissue is affecting the appearance of your smile, gingivectomy or laser gum reshaping may be considered when appropriate. If gum inflammation or gum disease is responsible, treating the underlying condition comes first.
Final Takeaway
Gums growing over teeth can happen because of gum inflammation, excess gum tissue, certain medications, hormonal changes, or the way the teeth have erupted. Swollen gums caused by plaque and gum disease should be treated rather than ignored.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental check-ups can help keep your gums healthy. If excess gum tissue continues to cover your teeth, professional treatments such as gum reshaping or gingivectomy may help create a more balanced gum line.
If you have noticed a change in your gums, speak with a dentist to identify the cause and choose the most suitable gum treatment in Dubai for your needs.
