Teeth Seem to Be Getting Bigger? It May Be a Warning Sign of Gum Disease!

Looking at how your smile looks every day may seem a bit obsessive—but your Fort Pierce dentist would say it can benefit your oral health! Looking at your smile regularly allows you to pinpoint new cavities, figure out where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate, and notice if your teeth seem to have grown larger daily.

This may seem surprising, as adults’ teeth don’t grow, right? Teeth appearing longer than before may be a sign of a serious condition, one that calls for prompt examination to protect oral health.

Do Adults’ Teeth Grow?

No, once you’ve reached adulthood and all of your permanent teeth have emerged, your teeth do not continue to grow. The last ones to come should be your wisdom teeth, or third molars.

So, if your teeth aren’t growing, their large appearance can only be due to one cause: your gums have gotten shorter.

Why Do Gums Recede?

Gum recession is when your gums separate from your teeth and slowly shift downward. Various issues can cause it:

• Gum Disease: This condition is caused by bacteria that destroy gum tissue over time, causing gums to pull back.
• Aggressive Tooth Brushing: Brushing too hard or with a stiff-bristle brush can wear down gum tissue over time.
• Teeth Grinding: Clenching or grinding puts excess force on the gums and bone, which can contribute to gum loss.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco irritates the gums, increases plaque buildup, and reduces healing ability.
• Lip or Tongue Piercings: Jewelry can rub against gums and be worn down over time.

Why Does My Tooth Feel Bigger Than Usual?

Sometimes a tooth doesn’t look any different, but it feels too big for your mouth or seems to hit first when you bite down. This is usually caused by swelling, not growth. Inflammation in the ligament that holds the tooth in place can push it up slightly, making it feel taller or “swollen.” 

Common triggers include clenching or grinding, a new filling or crown that sits a little high, an infection near the root, and even sinus pressure on your upper teeth. If the feeling lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by pain, a Fort Pierce dentist can identify the cause and adjust or treat the tooth.

Keep Gum Disease at Bay—Call a Fort Pierce Dentist and Protect Your Smile!

Gum recession is often a sign of trouble: be it gingivitis or a too-harsh brushing technique, this indicator calls for an immediate change if you want to keep the good health of your smile. Lost gum tissue doesn’t grow back, so if your gums continue to recede, the damage will be irreversible.

Whatever the cause, your dentist at Smooth Sailing Dental will help you identify it. Call us today, and don’t let your smile suffer!