Gingival overgrowth, often described as gums growing over teeth, is a condition where gum tissue enlarges and covers more of the tooth surface than is typical. While it can be a source of concern due to its impact on appearance, it also carries implications for overall oral health.
Causes of Gum Overgrowth
Medication-induced gingival overgrowth is a common cause of gum tissue enlargement. Certain prescription drugs stimulate gum cell proliferation, increasing tissue volume. For instance, phenytoin, used to control seizures, cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, and calcium channel blockers, for high blood pressure, can contribute to gum overgrowth.
Chronic inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, is another frequent cause of gum enlargement. This inflammation typically arises from inadequate oral hygiene, allowing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate along the gumline. If left unaddressed, this persistent inflammation can cause the gum tissue to swell and appear overgrown.
Systemic conditions can also play a role in gum overgrowth. Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy, can make gum tissues more susceptible to inflammation and enlargement. Certain genetic disorders, like hereditary gingival fibromatosis, directly cause significant gum tissue overgrowth. Additionally, conditions like leukemia can manifest with gum enlargement as a symptom.
How Gum Overgrowth Affects Your Oral Health
Excess gum tissue can significantly impede effective oral hygiene practices. When gums extend over the tooth surface, it becomes challenging to properly brush and floss the entire tooth, especially near the gumline. This difficulty in cleaning creates an environment where plaque and food particles can easily accumulate and become trapped beneath the overgrown tissue.
The presence of trapped plaque directly increases the risk of developing gum disease. Initial gingivitis can worsen, potentially progressing to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the supporting bone structure around the teeth. Such conditions can lead to persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, due to bacterial activity and decaying food particles.
Overgrown gums can contribute to dental complications beyond gum disease. The difficulty in cleaning can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, as bacteria have more sheltered areas to thrive and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Significant gum overgrowth can also affect tooth alignment or make it difficult to wear orthodontic appliances or dentures. Individuals may experience discomfort or pain, particularly when chewing or brushing, and the gums might bleed easily.
Professional Treatment for Gum Overgrowth
Addressing gum overgrowth often begins with a thorough evaluation by a dental professional to identify the underlying cause. If medication is determined to be the contributing factor, a discussion with the prescribing physician becomes a primary step. Adjusting the dosage of the medication or switching to an alternative drug, under medical supervision, can sometimes lead to a reduction in gum tissue size. However, medication changes should only occur with a doctor’s guidance, as discontinuing or altering prescriptions independently can have serious health consequences.
Enhanced oral hygiene and professional cleanings are fundamental, often alongside medication review. A dental hygienist or dentist performs scaling and root planing, meticulously removing plaque and tartar deposits from above and below the gumline. This deep cleaning helps reduce inflammation and can decrease gum swelling. Consistent home care instructions are also provided to prevent future plaque accumulation.
For substantial gum overgrowth that does not resolve with conservative measures, surgical intervention may be necessary. Gingivectomy is a common procedure where excess gum tissue is precisely removed. This restores a more typical gum contour and exposes more of the tooth surface, making oral hygiene easier. It can be performed using traditional surgical instruments, electrosurgery, or laser technology, with the latter two often resulting in less bleeding and quicker healing times.
In more complex situations, especially if advanced periodontitis is present, periodontal flap surgery might be recommended. This procedure involves carefully lifting a section of the gum tissue to gain direct access to the tooth roots and underlying bone. This allows for thorough cleaning of deep pockets and, if needed, reshaping of the bone. After the cleaning, the gum tissue is then repositioned and secured.
Managing and Preventing Recurrence
Maintaining strict oral hygiene practices is paramount after any treatment for gum overgrowth to prevent its recurrence. This involves consistent and thorough brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, ensuring all tooth surfaces and the gumline are cleaned. Daily flossing is equally important to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline, areas brushing cannot effectively reach. A dental professional might also recommend using an antimicrobial mouthwash to further reduce bacterial load and inflammation.
Regular dental check-ups are also a necessary component of long-term management. These routine visits allow the dental team to monitor the health of your gums, perform professional cleanings, and identify any early signs of recurrence or other oral health issues. The frequency of these visits, typically every six months, may be adjusted based on individual needs and the severity of the initial condition.
Continued collaboration with healthcare providers is important, particularly if systemic conditions or medications were contributing factors to the gum overgrowth. This ensures that any underlying health issues are managed effectively, and medication regimens are periodically reviewed for their impact on oral health. A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, supports overall gum health and tissue repair. Avoiding tobacco products, which are known to negatively affect gum tissue and healing, also contributes significantly to preventing future gum problems.