When gum tissue appears to grow over the back teeth, it is often a manifestation of a condition known as gum overgrowth. This common dental concern involves enlarged gum tissue extending over the tooth surface.
Understanding Why Gums Cover Back Teeth
Several factors can contribute to gum tissue growing over back teeth. One significant cause is medication-induced gum overgrowth, a side effect of certain systemic medications. Drugs commonly implicated include immunosuppressants like cyclosporine, anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin, and calcium channel blockers. These medications can alter gum tissue cell metabolism, leading to excessive growth.
Chronic inflammation and poor oral hygiene also play a substantial role in gum overgrowth. When plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth, they irritate gum tissue, leading to inflammation and enlargement. This condition, known as gingivitis or periodontitis, can make gums appear enlarged and extend over the teeth. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow bacteria to thrive, worsening inflammation.
Orthodontic factors, such as braces or other dental appliances, can contribute to localized gum overgrowth. These appliances can irritate gum tissue or make effective oral hygiene more challenging, leading to inflammation and enlargement. Difficulty cleaning around orthodontic hardware can result in plaque buildup, further irritating the gums.
Another common reason for gum tissue covering back teeth is the eruption of wisdom teeth. As these third molars attempt to emerge, a flap of gum tissue, called an operculum, can form over a partially erupted tooth. Food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped beneath this flap, leading to inflammation and infection known as pericoronitis.
In some instances, a genetic predisposition to gum overgrowth, known as hereditary gingival fibromatosis, can cause healthy gum tissue to grow excessively. Less frequently, no clear identifiable cause is found, leading to an idiopathic diagnosis.
Potential Health Consequences
Leaving gum overgrowth unaddressed can lead to several practical problems. Enlarged gums make it more difficult to perform effective oral hygiene. The excess tissue can create areas where plaque and food debris become trapped.
This difficulty in maintaining hygiene increases the risk of severe gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and cavities. Trapped bacteria under the overgrown gum tissue can lead to persistent inflammation and infection, damaging teeth and supporting bone. Overgrown gums can also cause discomfort and pain, often bleeding easily due to ongoing inflammation.
Beyond physical discomfort, visibly overgrown gums can affect the appearance of a smile, leading to aesthetic concerns. The disproportionate gum-to-tooth ratio can make teeth appear shorter or uneven. The accumulation of bacteria and food debris in areas made difficult to clean by overgrown gums can also contribute to persistent bad breath.
Professional Treatment Options
Addressing gum overgrowth often begins with improved oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning. Dentists may perform scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This helps reduce inflammation, shrinking swollen gum tissue and improving gum health.
If medication is identified as the cause, a dentist or physician might consider adjusting the medication or dosage, or exploring alternatives. This is done in consultation with the prescribing doctor to manage the patient’s overall medical condition. In many cases, this can reduce or resolve the gum enlargement.
For persistent or severe cases, surgical removal of excess gum tissue, known as gingivectomy, may be recommended. This procedure restores normal gum contours and improves oral hygiene access. Gingivectomy can be performed using a traditional scalpel, laser, or electrosurgery. Laser gingivectomy offers benefits like reduced bleeding, less discomfort, and faster healing.
For orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist may adjust appliances or recommend specific hygiene protocols to reduce gum irritation and overgrowth. For erupting wisdom teeth and pericoronitis, treatment ranges from professional cleaning under the gum flap to antibiotics if infection is present. In some instances, surgical removal of the gum flap (operculectomy) or extraction of the wisdom tooth may be necessary to resolve issues.
Home Care and Prevention
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is fundamental for managing and preventing gum overgrowth. This includes regular and thorough brushing at least twice daily and flossing once daily to effectively remove plaque and food particles from tooth surfaces and along the gum line. Correct techniques prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important for early detection and management of gum issues. Dental professionals can identify early signs of gum overgrowth or inflammation and provide timely interventions, such as professional cleanings to remove hardened plaque and tartar. Routine visits monitor oral health and address concerns before they escalate.
A balanced diet supports overall gum health and contributes to a healthy oral environment. General nutrition plays a role in tissue health. Avoiding irritants like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also beneficial. Smoking weakens the body’s immune response, hindering healing and making it harder to fight gum infections. Alcohol can negatively impact oral health by promoting harmful bacteria and contributing to dry mouth, increasing gum disease risk.
Open communication with healthcare providers is important. Individuals should discuss any changes in their gum health with their dentist and inform their medical doctor about dental concerns, particularly if taking medications known to cause gum overgrowth.