My Teeth Seem To Be Getting Longer and Larger. Should I Worry?
Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin |
Gum disease can sneak up on you. One minute, your teeth look quite normal in the mirror, and when you are smiling or brushing your teeth, everything looks fine. However, the next time you glance at your teeth, you might notice your teeth look bigger. What exactly causes your enlarging teeth? Your shrinking gums. Here is an explanation of periodontal (gum) disease.
A Brief Explanation of Gum Disease
Gum disease is nearly universal among adults, especially those over 65. It is one of the most common diseases. All gum disease is caused by bacteria, and several kinds of bacteria cause periodontal disease. Gum disease happens in three stages. One of the first clues that signals stage one of gum disease is bleeding, swollen, or discolored gums. Stage one of gum disease is entirely curable with some simple changes to brushing, flossing, and dental care.
However, if you have stage two or three of gum disease, there is no cure, although dentists can treat the disease. Your gum tissue begins to separate from the bottom of your teeth, which forms spaces or pockets. These pockets can fill with food, tartar, infection, and other dental material.
Why Do My Teeth Look Bigger?
Your teeth look bigger because your gum infection causes pockets between your teeth and gums. Eventually, the gum tissue may disappear altogether, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities, breaking, or cracking. Gum tissue provides part of your defense against disease and injury. Also, gum disease can cause infections and inflammation in other areas of your mouth and throughout your body.
What Can I Do?
While periodontal disease is something you can take seriously, there are steps you can take to stop the disease from spreading. First, be sure you brush and floss after every meal and snack to remove as much bacteria from your mouth as possible. Look for a toothpaste that supports gum health. Second, be sure that you keep regular dental appointments because dentists and periodontists can clean your gums and remove some of the infection. Has it been a while since you went to the dentist? Give us a call today to make an appointment.
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