How to Protect Your Gum Health During Pregnancy

My baby was born in mid-July. I’m concerned that my gums are still swollen around my teeth and appear to be pulling away from some of my teeth. I have been so busy adjusting to our new life that I haven’t been to the dentist yet. Will this issue resolve, or will I need gum treatment or gum surgery? Thanks. Ryleigh from TN

Ryleigh,

Many women develop pregnancy gingivitis, a condition where hormonal changes make the gums more reactive to plaque. Your gums may feel tender, look swollen, or bleed more easily. These symptoms are common, but they still deserve attention.

How to Protect Your Gum Health During Pregnancy

Consistent daily care is crucial for protecting your gum health during pregnancy. Minor improvements in routine can reduce inflammation and keep the tissues healthier.

Pregnancy gingivitis often improves when plaque around the gumline is removed frequently. The following steps help create a cleaner environment and reduce irritation:

• Brush more often, paying close attention to the gumline
• Floss every day to remove plaque between teeth
• Rinse occasionally with 3% hydrogen peroxide, if your provider recommends it

Use peroxide sparingly. It can also reduce beneficial bacteria. Using it daily for more than two weeks may increase the risk of a yeast infection.

When Symptoms Seem More Severe

Your symptoms sound more pronounced than the typical mild to moderate swelling most patients experience. While we can’t diagnose your case without examining you, persistent inflammation that doesn’t improve with careful home care needs a dentist’s evaluation.

Before considering any gum contouring or other surgical treatment, focus on stabilizing your oral hygiene. If plaque remains along the gumline, swelling will return even after a procedure. A thorough exam will help identify what’s triggering the inflammation and guide your dentist toward treatment recommendations.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read about his efforts to provide some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.

How Can I Fix My Gummy Smile and Be Less Self-Conscious?

I am self-conscious about my gummy smile and small teeth. Would I be a candidate for gum contouring? I guess porcelain veneers are an option, but you know…money. I can’t afford to get veneers on all my teeth, and they are all small. I consulted with one dentist, and she said I have naturally small teeth. I know that. She encouraged me not to alter my teeth but to embrace them. Okay… That’s a nice philosophy, but I’m still self-conscious. I know your dentist would need to see my teeth in person to really recommend anything, but can you list the options for a gummy smile? Thanks! Bethany – Canton, OH

 

Bethany,

Most family dentists lack advanced cosmetic dentistry training to improve a gummy smile, so be careful when choosing a dentist. Do not allow a dentist to alter your teeth with dental crowns; it’s too aggressive and unnecessary unless your teeth have extensive damage. Nor should a dentist refer you to an oral surgeon to shorten your jaw. You can trust an advanced cosmetic dentist for healthy, natural-looking results.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is an excessive amount of gum tissue around your teeth. You may feel that too much of your gums show when you smile, making your teeth look small. A gummy smile can make you feel self-conscious and hesitant to show your teeth when you smile. However, cosmetic dentistry can address your concerns and give you a healthy, attractive smile.

How Can You Improve a Gummy Smile?

You can improve a gummy smile with one or more treatments, including a gum lift, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or orthodontics. However, an expert cosmetic dentist will complete a comprehensive exam and take X-rays to determine the causes of your gummy smile before recommending treatment.

Gummy Smile Treatment Options

An advanced cosmetic dentist will explain whether you can benefit from the following treatment options.

• Gum lift (gingivectomy) – Removing a small amount of gum tissue and supporting bone can expose some upper front teeth to lengthen their appearance. A 2019 article in the International Journal of Oral and Dental Health confirms that a great advantage of a gum lift is easier oral hygiene in gum pockets around your teeth, which helps prevent gum disease.
• Porcelain veneers – A skilled cosmetic dentist can take impressions of your teeth and work with a master dental ceramist to craft custom porcelain veneers for the fronts of your teeth. Only an expert cosmetic dentist understands how to lengthen your teeth without interfering with your bite or speech. High-quality veneers can last 15 to 20 years, making them a long-lasting solution for a gummy smile and small teeth.
• Dental bonding – Advanced cosmetic dentists skillfully blend dental composites to reshape small teeth and make them look larger. A dentist will apply bonding by hand to each tooth after roughening the surface. Your cosmetic dentist will expertly shape the bonding to enlarge your teeth, harden it, further shape it, and polish it to a natural gloss. Well-maintained dental bonding can last five to ten years. It costs less than porcelain veneers, but a dentist will eventually need to replace the bonding due to wear and staining.
• Orthodontics – Misalignment can make adult teeth look small. Your cosmetic dentist will determine whether your teeth are in healthy positions. Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or other braces can improve your teeth’s appearance.

Consult with an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

It is essential to consult a dentist who understands how to improve your gummy smile and small teeth while protecting your oral health and ensuring a healthy bite. To keep your smile healthy, a dentist must have advanced cosmetic dentistry, occlusion, and bite training. Look for dentists with the training we mentioned and schedule consultations with at least two of them to discuss and compare your options. You will get options to help your gummy smile look better so you can smile more confidently.

 

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, sponsors this post. Dr. Michalski provides cosmetic dentistry services to patients in Hartford, Wethersfield, Newington, Cromwell, Portland, New Britain, and surrounding areas.