How to Fill in Gum Gaps

The medical term for the gap between the gums and teeth is the "sulcus." All teeth have this gap although it's hard to detect if you have healthy teeth and gums. If the gap is pronounced, you may have gingivitis or its meaner cousin periodontitis, both serious periodontal diseases caused by plaque buildup. Plaque, the thin film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, turns hard within 48 hours. Once it has hardened, it's called "tartar." Tartar below the gum line causes inflammation and infection, the heart of periodontal disease.

Instructions

1

Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms of periodontal disease: bleeding or swollen gums, very red or pale gums, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, exposed roots due to the recession of the gums, unusually sensitive teeth and pus between the gums and teeth. Your dentist will clean your teeth, examine your gums and take x-rays to determine if you have gingivitis or periodontitis. If you are not diagnosed with periodontal disease, continue to brush your teeth and floss twice a day to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gums, and use a mouthwash that kills bacteria.

2

Follow your dentist's instructions carefully. If you were diagnosed with gingivitis, you will need to brush twice a day and floss daily in the manner the hygienist demonstrated. Left untreated, or treated improperly, gingivitis will likely progress to periodontitis. If you were diagnosed with periodontitis, you may have been prescribed antibiotics. Take them exactly as directed. Your dentist will make a follow-up appointment for you; if you have periodontitis, this appointment may be for a deep cleaning.

3

Return to your dentist as scheduled. If your gum gaps have closed and there are no further signs of periodontal disease, be sure to continue brushing and flossing as directed. If symptoms are still visible, the dentist may perform a deep cleaning of your teeth called "scaling and root planing." Scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup from the top of the tooth to the root's surface, and root planing smooths the roots of the teeth so that bacteria have difficulty hanging on and forming tartar. After the deep cleaning, the gaps will eventually close.

4

Follow your dentist's directions for maintaining your new healthy teeth and gums. Taking care of your teeth will give you fresh breath and a beautiful smile and can help prevent other health issues down the road.