Which of These Two Gum Types Is Most Apparent In Your Smile?

Are your gums more scalloped or flat?

Did you know that there are two main kinds of gum tissue? Technically termed “periodontal biotypes”; a person’s gums often tend to skew either more on the thin or scalloped gum type side, or the thick or flat gum type side!

So without further adieu, let’s talk about what makes each gum type different from each other:

1. The thin (scalloped) gum type

This type of gum appears more triangle-shaped rather than square-shaped. It also tends to taper down where it meets up with the tooth/ is thinner in that area.

This gum biotype is more susceptible to gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth. Gum recession tends to happen to most people to some degree as part of the natural aging process, but our Danforth dentist in Toronto assures that gentle daily brushing (using a soft bristle toothbrush) and flossing will help to prevent significant recession that could put a person’s dental health at risk. Sufficient daily cleaning will help to prevent gum disease which can recede the gums, and doing so gently and not aggressively will also help to ensure their health.

2. The thick (flat) gum type

This type of gum appears more square-shaped as opposed to triangle-shaped. It also tends to be thicker at the area it meets with the tooth and doesn’t taper down to a thinner consistency like with the other gum type.

This gum biotype, on the other hand, is at a higher risk for something called “periodontal pocketing” – an oral condition where the gum tissue detaches from the tooth and forms spacing/ a pocket surrounding the tooth. The good news is, however, this problem is largely preventable with the right daily oral hygiene practices, as well as making sure to get routine professional cleanings with the dental hygienist to remove the plaque deposits that can lead to periodontal pocketing.

All gums deserve daily love and care!

No matter what your periodontal biotype may be, taking the right steps every day to care for your smile goes a long way in preserving the health of your gums and teeth!