Gum Disease

In pink aesthetics, a gingivectomy (removal of excess gum) or gingivoplasty (gum reshaping) is performed under local anaesthesia, usually with a laser. This can lengthen the visible teeth and so reduce a gummy smile (excessive gum display), or level the gum line to correct asymmetries. If the gums are very red and swollen, subgingival curettage is carried out first under local anaesthesia. Smile aesthetics can be performed on any patient whose gums and teeth are suitable for this treatment, with no age limit.

• The gum line around the teeth is levelled as it should be.
• The tissues surrounding the teeth are restored to health.
• Bleeding and swelling of the gums are treated.
• It aims to prevent bad breath and the formation of sores.
• It aims to keep the teeth healthy in the mouth over the long term.

Every tooth has a standard position and shape for its gum line. When this balance is disrupted, the appearance of the smile can suffer. Gums that show too much when smiling or speaking (a gummy smile) can spoil the overall look. These problems can usually be corrected with lasers in a single session, without bleeding or stitches.

Gum (periodontal) diseases affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth, known as the periodontium. Gum disease starts in the gums, and at this stage it is called gingivitis. If left untreated, it leads to destruction of the bone in the mouth and is then called periodontitis. While gingivitis heals quickly with gum treatment, tissue lost to periodontitis cannot always be regained. These diseases can be prevented with correct, effective daily oral care and regular gum check-ups.

Gum recession is when the gum pulls back from the tooth, exposing the surface of the root.

The likelihood of gum recession increases with age. However, due to environmental and genetic factors, recession can also occur at a young age.

• Using a toothbrush with very hard bristles
• Brushing the gums forcefully in the wrong direction
• Severe crowding of the teeth
• Heavy tartar build-up due to poor oral hygiene
• Severe, uncontrolled systemic diseases
• Smoking
• Poorly made crowns and fillings are also among the main causes of gum recession.

Bleeding gums occur when gum disease, caused by deposits such as plaque and tartar on the tooth surface, damages the blood vessels that nourish the gum tissue, allowing blood to leak out of the vessels. In other words, bleeding is the first sign of inflammatory gum disease. The bleeding may be triggered (by touching, brushing, etc.) or may happen spontaneously. In addition, brushing too hard, overhanging or incomplete fillings, tooth decay and ill-fitting dentures can cause bleeding. Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, blood disorders, diabetes, vitamin C and K deficiencies, genetic predisposition and the use of blood-thinning medication can also cause the gums to bleed.

Bleeding gums are treated by identifying the cause of the bleeding and addressing it. This includes scaling (tartar removal), subgingival curettage (deep cleaning) if needed, and plaque removal. The patient's own care is very important during healing, so correct brushing and, as needed, the use of dental floss or interdental brushes must be part of the treatment. Any decay should be treated, and ill-fitting fillings or dentures should be corrected or replaced. Systemic conditions that may cause bleeding should be identified and discussed with the patient's physician.